To write a novel and create characters, is it to think about all the characters and start writing or to think while writing?

Did you think of all the characters when you made the outline?
Or write a novel while writing characters according to the plot?

Answer 1

Creating characters was usually a very important part of writing a novel. A good novel needs a group of characters with depth and complexity. These characters should have their own personalities, backgrounds, motives, and goals. Therefore, it was very important to create these characters before starting writing.

Of course, the creation of characters wasn't done in one go. They were gradually built and developed during the writing process. You can set up some basic characteristics and backgrounds of the characters and then gradually shape their personality, behavior, and relationships in the process of writing. This method can help you better understand the characters and maintain a coherent and logical writing process.

At the same time, you can constantly modify and adjust the character settings to suit the needs of the story and character development. Therefore, writing a novel was a process of thinking while writing and constantly improving.