We’re skipping around a bit. We’re going to do Color first, and Archetypes next.

The Color personality theory comes from Insight Learning Systems. They say that each person is a blend of the colors, with one being primary. (There’s an online test if you want to see what primary color you are.) For your own character, you can start with a primary color and throw in some traits of another to make him or her a little more well-rounded.

Gold – Guardian of tradition, dutiful citizen, law-maker

Primary Goal – to be useful, helpful and productive

  • Need to be self-sufficient because receiving something for nothing or taking advantage of others is offensive
  • Value order in all things, including their homes and even closets
  • Value punctuality, schedules and rules
  • Are goal-oriented
  • Believe in preparing for the future
  • Are inclined to join groups to belong and then support the group traditions
  • Value responsibility so work comes before play
  • Enjoy positions of authority – gives them the opportunity to create structure and order

Green – Seeker of knowledge, voice of reason and logic, innovator and questioner

Primary Goal – to understand the world around them

  • Need to be competent and capable
  • Need intellectual freedom to learn, think and question
  • Are curious and may take things apart to see how they work
  • Question authority – just because a person is in charge doesn’t make him correct
  • Push themselves to improve
  • Slow to make decisions and need a lot of time to think and analyze all the data
  • Value concise communication with no repetition
  • Can be oblivious to hurt feelings and emotions in other people
  • Can be detached due to all the thinking in her head and will shy away from social events
  • Work is play – tend to be easily consumed by work, drawn to technical occupations
  • Focus on the future and the possibilities that lie ahead

Blue – Peacemaker, lover of harmony, crusader for good

Primary goal – to find a mission and then devote himself to it

  • Values integrity of self – being true to himself
  • Hungers for a unique identity, to be special, to be appreciated for her unique contributions
  • Sensitive to nuances and subtleties in gestures and body language, always looking for symbolism
  • Values close relationships and is deeply devoted and loyal friend
  • Patient and optimistic, he looks for the good inside people
  • Good listener and excellent communicator, likes to share emotions with others
  • Makes decisions based on emotion, sensitive to criticism and conflict, feelings can be easily hurt
  • Tends to collect mementos, keepsakes, souvenirs of people and events that are meaningful to her
  • Not competitive, wants everyone to be a winner
  • Drawn to nurturing careers like nursing, counseling, teaching, religion and social work
  • Seeks deeper meaning in her life, gets involved in causes

Orange – Risk-taker, lover of fun, life of the party

Primary goal – freedom to do what they want when they want

  • Values freedom and spontaneity with no ties, confinement or obligation
  • Impulsive and optimistic, lives in the moment
  • Thrives on crises, unexpected events, responds quickly and dramatically
  • Might create his own crisis if things get dull and boring
  • Compelled to use tools; must pilot the plane, play the instrument, shoot the gun or wield the scalpel
  • Likes to be the center of attention, adds excitement to any environment
  • Needs variety, tends to wanderlust, changing jobs, activities, life patterns often
  • Has great endurance in discomfort, deprivation, hunger, fatigue or pain; he just keeps going
  • Competitive and aggressive in his desire to win
  • Drawn to active jobs

Do you see the beginning of a character in one of these Colors? Try choosing one color as primary and see how your story planning goes.  You can add in some traits from a different color if your character seems too one-dimensional.

And next up… I promise, is using Archetypes to jumpstart your character.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!