Characters

The most important element in creative writing (both fiction and non-fiction) is characters. While it is easy to create a plot (completely or incompletely), it is in creating the characters that will help your work ring out. Your main character should have a strong personality to bring he, she, or it alive. Also known as a round character. In thinking about this character, think of a few of these things to bring them more alive.
1. What does the character look like?
2. What belief system does that character have? Not only spiritually or religiously, but about people and things around him, her, or it.
3. Where is the maturity level and intelligence of the character?
4. What things make the character special?
5. What gestures does the character use?
6. What position does the character hold in life? Rich or poor? Stable job? Lost child in the woods? Etc.
7. What morals does the character bring to the table?
8. Who or what are the influences on the character?
9. How does the character talk?

Think about yourself. What makes you different from other people? You can make characters and make them the most boring people on the planet, but if you develop them well, the reader will develop an interest in them.

As well as the main character, if other characters are open for the type of creative writing you are doing, make sure that friends, family members, love interests, etc. are also rounded out. Give each one a different personality. Also, be careful of using names with the first letter being the same. Best friends John and Jacob could become quickly turned around in the reader's head and they will think there is an inconstancy in the writing, when there isn't. The reader simply cannot keep the two characters straight. In the same light, be careful of the same endings on character names.

I find it easiest to get a complete blank page and write the characters name on the top, then open up the field of everything they like.

Example:

Spencer Worthington
Light brown, curly hair, green eyes that are covered with expensive-looking glasses, an awkward smile, somewhat too big of ears, tan skin, 6'3 and lanky, lightly muscled body, clumsy feet that he trips over often.
Comes from a rich family. Dad works with the government. Family owns a local coffee shop.
Spencer likes to skateboard, listen to loud music, and socialize with the "bad crowd" which upsets his father because he doesn't want any bad press.

Then, I'd just keep working with Spencer. It's like molding him with a piece of clay. This story could be about how his father oppresses him. It could be about how he breaks free of his father's control. It might have little to do about his father. He might be really good at skateboarding and help people because he gets more rich off of it.

It is also important to make sure you don't round every character out. There are also flat characters. These are characters that might pass your main character in the hall. Kind of like a credit on a movie. She might just be girl-with-braids. Flat characters can have names, but be careful of naming all your characters as well.

Review:
Round Characters: A character that is well-developed and come to life on the page.
Flat Characters: A less important character that doesn't need much description.