How to describe characters in a children’s book (with free crib sheet)

How to describe characters in a children’s book (with free crib sheet):

PRO TIP: When describing any aspect of a character, whether it’s her complexion or what haunts his dreams, think about what it means.

And remember, you are listing the character’s attributes on the crib sheet. In the manuscript, you’ll want to infer many of those attributes by what the character does, by what other characters observe about her and by other storytelling techniques, rather than just saying what that characteristic is.

Think about how you can convey personality through each characteristic. For instance, think of the personality conjured up by the names “Snape” and “Slithering”, or what Snape’s greasy hair implies about his personality.

On the other hand, keep in mind the age you are targeting. The younger the audience, the less you can infer. For very young children, you’ll have to be more direct.