Your

character is defined by your actions (not words), AND reactions.

So what makes up a character?
(using the Simpsons as examples)

Dramatic Need: The character’s overriding need, which drives them, and drives the story. You take a large
need and reduce it to a specific objective to make it more manageable (i.e. I want to be loved v.s. I want so
and so’s approval).
For example: Lisa’s need it to be a righteous, moral human being – which translates into being a
goody goody two shoes and taking life seriously. Whereas Bart’s need is freedom of expression –
which translates into doing whatever he wants for instant gratification.

Point of View: The way the character sees the world
For example: Lisa is very moral/idealistic – sees world as good and bad, and its important to do good
– whereas Bart sees the world as a playground – something to mess with – reek havoc on.

And then there is Comic Perspective – How the character sees the world differently from everyone
else, which leads to comical situations
For example: Homer is a simple oafish man with low brow tastes but a big heart – which often leads
him to being overbearing and uncouth and offending people’s “sensibilities” – like in the episode
where he tries to befriend his new neighbor George Bush.

Attitude: The character’s general way of being in the world (it can overlap with P.O.V. and that’s okay).
For example: Lisa is serious and melancholy whereas Bart is sassy and mischevious

Flaw: All good characters have a flaw this makes them interesting and gets in the way of them attaining
their objectives - too easily.
For example: Homer is a sweet simple man but he has a short temper and doesn’t think things
through which results in hilarity.

Point of Empathy: What flaw/weakness is endearing – makes them relatable to others.
For example: Lisa’s seriousness and over moralizing can be tiring but we relate to her desire to do
good, her idealism. Bart’s bratty ways are annoying but they embody our desire to do our own thing
and not care about what others think.

Strength: What is the character’s positive trait? What helps them achieve their objective?
For example: Bart’s is his tenacity – even though people try to physically stop him, he gets away.
Lisa’s is her intelligence and emotional maturity – even though the other kids tease her she doesn’t
let it get her down or change ideals.

Defining Characteristic: Could be physical, personal attribute that sums them up (and sums up above
points).
For example: Homer is a big oaf of a father. Marge is a nagging housewife that holds the family
together. Lisa is the smart middle child that is the moral center of the show.

AND there is always…

Point of View of the Author: This is the way the authors of the show see the world.
For example: The Simpsons has a more gentle, compassionate and humanist view of the world.
Whereas The Family Guy has a more cynical and callous view of the world.