The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

A good character is distinct and memorable. You can accomplish this by giving your character a hook.

Core trait – how your character typically behaves.

Velma is boisterous, whether she’s at a party or a funeral.

Habitual action – something that your character does repeatedly without thinking.

Ivan is always chomping on his cigar.

Preoccupation – something that matters to your character at all times

Bryce is vain about his appearance, always smoothing his hair, and checking his reflection.

Catch phrase – a verbal response that your character uses repeatedly.

Melba’s go-to phrase in any situation is, “Well, that’s a fine how-do-you-do.”

Signature move – a physical move that serves as a punctuation mark.

The Contessa DiMarco shakes back her hair whenever she feels she has made a point.

A hook makes your character distinct and memorable. What it doesn’t do is create a fully fleshed-out character. There are other tools that help create characters with greater depth.