Creating #characters who are believable and are relatable is an important part of the writing process. As we build a character’s personality, we have to be sure to carry that personality throughout the story. There are 4 fundamental personality types. They are sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. There are researchers and studies that explain personalities and reactions in a deeper manner, but for our purpose in developing characters, lets explore character development with these four.

Generally, the sanguine is the fun-loving, life-of-the-party type. This personality could be the your comic relief in the most intense parts of your story. The choleric is the leader. Still out-going, but will be taking charge and solving problems. The melancholic is organized and very steady when it comes to emotional reactions. And the phlegmatic is a quiet introvert, and hard to know what they are feeling because they don’t share unless asked. Any of these sound familiar?

Each personality type has strengths and weaknesses. Typically those who study personalities will explain that when any given personality is under stress, upset, or in crisis, their strengths can become a weakness. For example the sanguine might make sarcastic jokes when stressed or in an awkward situation rather than address the issue at hand.

As you get to know your characters through writing them into scenes, keep in mind their personality. Are their reactions to outside stresses and successes consistent with their personality?

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