Alphabet Soup

Sometimes coming up with a new character is easy. There are so many real life anomalies out there, you can usually pick and choose quirks to come up with an interesting persona. But for the times you're stuck, have I got some letters for you!

The Myers Briggs test is a classic personality quiz. I'm not saying you need to take it (though it could be insightful and there's a free sample of it here), but simply looking at the possible outcomes provides a wealth of attributes you can use for your next character. Want some examples?

ISTJ
Characteristics: Quiet, cautious, meticulous, responsible, strong and silent type
Good occupations: Administrators, inspectors, researchers

ESTJ
Characteristics: Friendly, realistic, analytical, organized, very driven and enthusiastic
Good occupations: Executives, analysts, managers

ISFJ
Characteristics: Cautious, hard-working, thoughtful, careful, very dedicated to causes and relationships
Good occupations: Health care technicians, accountants, customer service representatives

ESFJ
Characteristics: Talkative, practical, empathetic, decisive, very harmonious
Good occupations: Counselors, coaches, nurses

ISTP
Characteristics: Independent, practical, realistic, adaptable, very skillful with tools
Good occupations: Programmers, operators, pilots

ESTP
Characteristics: Gregarious, practical, observant, adaptable, very unpredictable
Good occupations: Stockbrokers, entrepreneurs, private investigators

ESFP
Characteristics: Approachable, decisive, concerned, adaptable, very generous
Good occupations: Teachers, scientists, public relations specialists

ISFP
Characteristics: Modest, easy-going, caring, flexible, very artistic
Good occupations: Customer service representatives, nurses, counselors

ENTJ
Characteristics: Energetic, creative, strategic, decisive, very commandeering
Good occupations: Lawyers, marketing consultants, teachers

INTJ
Characteristics: Autonomous, imaginative, logical, organized, very independent
Good occupations: Engineers, planners, publishers

ENTP
Characteristics: Energetic, expressive, decisive, easy-going, inventive
Good occupations: Talk show hosts, motivational speakers, marketing consultants

INTP
Characteristics: Reserved, creative, intellectual, adaptable, very logical
Good occupations: Mediators, musicians, strategic planners

ENFJ
Characteristics: Outgoing, creative, empathetic, decisive, very persuasive
Good occupations: Therapists, educators, writers

INFJ
Characteristics: Reserved, creative, decisive, organized, very empathetic
Good occupations: Architects, journalists, counselors

ENFP
Characteristics: Friendly, imaginative, empathetic, flexible, very optimistic
Good occupations: Acting, graphic design, psychology

INFP
Characteristics: Private, creative, empathetic, flexible, very non-directive
Good occupations: Human resource associates, fashion designers, researchers

Peruse the list, pick one that interests you, then google those letters. You'll find more in-depth personality info that ought to kickstart you into creating a memorable character.