How to use astrological signs to create deeper characters
Using astrological signs to create deeper characters can add layers of personality, motivation, and behavior traits that make them more relatable and intriguing.
1. Understand the Basics of Astrological Signs:
Each of the 12 zodiac signs has distinct traits, strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes.
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Energetic, courageous, and impulsive.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Reliable, patient, and stubborn.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Adaptable, curious, and indecisive.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Emotional, nurturing, and moody.
Leo (July 23 - August 22): Confident, ambitious, and egotistical.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Analytical, meticulous, and critical.
Libra (September 23 - October 22): Charming, diplomatic, and indecisive.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Intense, passionate, and secretive.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Optimistic, adventurous, and blunt.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Disciplined, responsible, and pessimistic.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Innovative, independent, and detached.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Compassionate, imaginative, and escapist.
2. Assign a Sign to Your Character
Choose an astrological sign that fits the character's role in your story or the personality traits you envision for them. This will serve as a foundation for their behavior and motivations.
3. Develop Traits Based on the Sign
Use the core traits of the chosen sign to flesh out your character's personality.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Define the character’s strengths and weaknesses according to their sign. For instance, a Leo might be very confident and charismatic but also struggle with arrogance.
Motivations and Fears: Base their motivations and fears on their astrological traits. A Cancer character might be driven by a deep need for security and family, while an Aquarius might be motivated by a desire for innovation and freedom.
Behavior and Reactions: Think about how their sign influences their behavior in different situations. An Aries character might react impulsively in a crisis, while a Virgo might approach the same situation with careful planning and analysis.
4. Create Relationships Dynamics
Astrological signs can also inform how characters interact with each other. Consider compatibility and conflicts based on their signs.
Compatible Signs: Relationships between compatible signs can be harmonious and supportive. For example, a Taurus and a Virgo might share a practical, grounded relationship.
Conflictual Signs: Opposing or different signs can create tension and conflict. For instance, a free-spirited Sagittarius might clash with a cautious Capricorn.
5. Add Depth with Birth Charts
To add even more depth, consider the character’s full birth chart, including their Moon sign, rising sign, and other planetary positions.
Moon Sign: Represents their emotional nature and inner self.
Rising Sign: Influences their outward behavior and first impressions.
Other Planets: Each planet rules different aspects of life (e.g., Venus for love, Mars for action), adding complexity to their personality.
Example of character development using astrological signs.
Character: Elena
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Moon Sign: Cancer
Rising Sign: Capricorn
Personality Traits
Scorpio Sun: Elena is intense, passionate, and secretive. She has a magnetic personality and is deeply loyal to those she loves.
Cancer Moon: Emotionally, she is nurturing and sensitive. She craves emotional security and has a strong intuition.
Capricorn Rising: Outwardly, she appears disciplined, ambitious, and responsible. She often takes on leadership roles and is seen as reliable.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: Determined, resourceful, protective, and strategic.
Weaknesses: Jealous, controlling, secretive, and overly cautious.
Motivations and Fears
Motivations: Driven by a desire for deep emotional connections and personal transformation. Seeks to protect loved ones and achieve professional success.
Fears: Fear of betrayal, vulnerability, and failure.
Behaviour and Reactions
In a crisis, Elena remains calm and strategic, using her intuition to navigate the situation. While in relationships, she is fiercely loyal but can become possessive and jealous.
Relationships
Compatible with: Cancer (shared emotional depth), Pisces (shared intuition and creativity).
Conflictual with: Leo (clash of egos), Aquarius (different values and approaches).
By using astrological signs, you can create multi-dimensional characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and relationships, enriching your story and engaging your readers but you can also use it as a guide to help you understand more about who your characters are.
