How to Use a Notion OC (Original Character) Template for Creating and Developing Fictional Characters

Creating original characters (OCs) is an exciting and essential process for various creative endeavors, including storytelling, art, or role-playing. Notion, a powerful all-in-one Productivity tool, can organize and streamline your character development process. In this article, we will explore how to use a Notion OC template for creating and developing fictional characters.

Why Use a Notion OC Template?

Notion provides a flexible and versatile platform for organizing and managing your OCs. By utilizing templates, you can start with a structured framework that covers essential aspects of character development. Notion's customizable features allow you to tailor the template to your specific needs, ensuring a personalized approach to character creation.

Creating a Notion OC Template

Before diving into the process of creating an OC template on Notion, it is beneficial to have a clear understanding of the information you would like to include. The following sections can serve as a starting point for building your template:

1. Overview

The overview section provides a brief summary and key details about your character, including their name, age, gender, and appearance. Use this space to capture the general essence of your OC.

2. Backstory

The backstory section delves into your character's history, upbringing, and significant life events. Consider using bullet points, paragraphs, or a combination of both to organize this information chronologically or thematically.

3. Personality Traits

Character traits play a pivotal role in creating well-rounded OCs. Use this section to document their personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and any relevant details that shape their behavior and interactions.

4. Abilities and Skills

If your OC possesses unique abilities or skills, include a section to describe them in detail. Whether it's magical powers, physical prowess, or intellectual abilities, outline the capabilities that set your character apart.

5. Relationships

Characters are often shaped by their relationships with others. Use this section to document the significant connections your OC has with other characters in your story or world. Include both positive and negative relationships, and briefly describe the nature of each connection.

6. Goals and Motivations

Understanding your character's goals and motivations is crucial for driving their actions and decision-making. Use this section to outline their short-term and long-term goals, as well as the driving forces behind their aspirations.

7. Visual References

Visual references can bring your OC to life. Include a section for attaching images or sketches that depict your character's appearance, outfits, or key visual elements. This will aid in visualization and consistency during the creative process.

8. Additional Considerations

Depending on your specific needs, you can incorporate additional sections in your template. This might include cultural background, family dynamics, significant objects associated with your character, or any other relevant details that contribute to their development.

How to Use the Notion OC Template

After creating your Notion OC template, follow these steps to effectively use it for character development:

1. Duplicate the template: Create a new page or duplicate an existing one based on the template you designed. This will serve as the starting point for each new OC you create.

2. Customize the template: Personalize the template by replacing the placeholder content with details specific to your character. Fill in the sections with relevant information, ensuring you capture the essence of your OC.

3. Structure your Workspace: Utilize Notion's organizational capabilities to structure your Workspace effectively. Use tags, databases, or tables to categorize or group your characters, making it easier to navigate and reference them when needed.

4. Iterative development: As you develop your OC, revisit the template and make updates or additions as necessary. Character development is an ongoing process, and your template should reflect the growth and evolution of your OC.

Take Your Characters to the Next Level with Notion

Using a Notion OC template can significantly enhance your character development process, regardless of whether you are a writer, artist, or role-player. Notion's versatility and customization options provide a powerful platform to organize and develop your OCs. By following the steps outlined in this article and refining your template over time, you will create well-rounded, engaging fictional characters for your creative projects.