top of page
Writer's pictureJessica Van Devanter

A Writer’s Guide to Crafting Compelling Characters with the DISC Assessment

Close-up of a paper with text of a personality text stating preferences from the MBTI, with two selections checked and a fountain pen.

Creating memorable and realistic characters is a fundamental goal for any writer. In a previous post, I discuss the value of using personality tests developed by psychologists to help you write realistic characters. In this post, I will focus on writing compelling characters with the DISC Assessment. By understanding and applying the DISC model, writers can develop characters with depth, consistency, and relatability.

 

Understanding the DISC Types:

The DISC assessment is a behavioral analysis framework that categorizes personalities into four types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. By understanding and applying the DISC model, writers can develop characters with depth, consistency, and relatability.

  • Dominance: Characters with high Dominance are assertive, goal-oriented, and competitive. They thrive in leadership roles, often taking charge in situations and making quick decisions. These characters can be seen as strong-willed, independent, and at times, aggressive or impatient.

  • Influence: Characters high in Influence are social, persuasive, and enthusiastic. They are often the life of the party, skilled at charming others and building relationships. These characters are typically optimistic, talkative, and sometimes lack follow-through or appear superficial.

  • Steadiness: Characters with high Steadiness are reliable, patient, and supportive. They value harmony and are great team players, often acting as peacemakers in conflicts. These characters can be seen as calm, methodical, and at times, resistant to change or overly accommodating.

  • Conscientiousness: Characters high in Conscientiousness are detail-oriented, analytical, and disciplined. They strive for accuracy and precision, often excelling in roles that require careful planning and adherence to rules. These characters can be seen as meticulous, reserved, and sometimes overly critical or inflexible.

Applying DISC to Character Development:

1. Define Core Traits: Start by assigning a primary DISC type to your character based on their core traits. This will provide a foundation for their behavior, motivations, and interactions with other characters.

2. Create Complexity: No one is purely one type. Blend traits from secondary DISC types to add complexity. For example, a character might be primarily Dominant but also show traits of Conscientiousness, making them both assertive and detail-oriented.

3. Consider Character Arcs: Use the DISC framework to plan your character's development. A Dominant character might learn to temper their aggression and become more patient, or a Steady character might gain confidence and take on leadership roles.

4. Enhance Interactions: Think about how different DISC types interact. A high-Dominance character might clash with a high-Conscientiousness character over decision-making processes, creating tension and drama.

5. Reflect Realism: Use the DISC model to ensure characters react consistently to situations. A Steady character will likely avoid conflict, while a Dominant character will confront it head-on.


Examples of DISC in Popular Characters:

Dominance (D): Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" – Her assertiveness and drive to protect her loved ones define her actions throughout the series.

Influence (I): Donkey from "Shrek" – His outgoing and talkative nature makes him the perfect foil to the more reserved Shrek.

Steadiness (S): Samwise Gamgee from "The Lord of the Rings" – His loyalty and supportiveness are crucial to Frodo’s journey.

Conscientiousness (C): Hermione Granger from "Harry Potter" – Her analytical mind and attention to detail often save the day.

 

Tips for Writers:

  • Balance Strengths and Flaws: Each DISC type comes with inherent strengths and potential weaknesses. A well-rounded character will display both.

  • Adapt Over Time: Characters should evolve, but their core DISC traits provide a roadmap for believable growth.

  • Use Dialogue: Reflect DISC traits in dialogue. A Dominant character might speak in short, direct sentences, while an Influential character might be more verbose and animated.


 

By integrating the DISC Assessment into your character development process, you can create nuanced and engaging characters that resonate with readers. This framework not only helps in building individual characters but also in designing dynamic relationships and conflicts that drive your narrative forward. Happy writing!

18 views0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page