Writing Craft - characterization

A few weeks ago I read Robert McKee's Story, which is aimed primarily at those who are writing movie scripts. Mr. McKee wrote the single most useful piece of advice I've read about characterization. He suggested using method acting to put yourself into the character's mindset and circumstances. Channelling your characters was not new advice, but the part about circumstances had eluded me. He has lots of other good information too.



For overall brilliance of characterization advice, Linda Serger's Creating Unforgettable Characters remains my favorite.



For an overview of different physchological profiles Rachel Ballon gives a broad brush approach to lots of approaches in her book Breathing Life Into Your Characters gives you a good jumping off point.