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Take the Character Quiz

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Characters are the heart of every story. Each must be unique, fully developed, and compelling. A challenging task for an author. I found it especially daunting with The Heart’s Charge since I had four main characters instead of the usual two.

When we meet someone in real life, we don’t instantly know their deepest secrets and spiritual passions. In the beginning all we really know about them is superficial. What they look like, perhaps their occupation, and possibly some basics about their temperament–shy, outgoing, grouchy, goofy, polite, etc. However, the more time we spend with them, the deeper our understanding penetrates. The same is true for an author as she creates characters.

First, we start with the superficial. What do they look like? Here are my inspiration photos for the four main characters of The Heart’s Charge.

Then, as I start building the plot, I dig in to who these people are. What drives them? What special skills or emotional strengths do they posses? What scars from their past helped shaped them? What were their families like? What are their deepest fears? What makes them feel insecure? How do they react under adversity?

I don’t use character worksheets like some authors do. I usually keep a few notes about physical appearance, but the core of who my characters are simply lives inside me like it would for a friend or family member.

During the months it takes to write the story, I come to know these “friends” on an even deeper level, and by the time the book comes to an end, they feel real to me, and I grieve just a little to tell them goodbye.

As a reader, I tend to relate best to characters who share some of my personal traits, passions, or backstory. With four characters in The Heart’s Charge, I thought it would be fun to develop a personality test to match reader to character. This is purely unscientific, of course, though I did feel as if I was finally putting some of my psychology training to use.

Quiz & Book Giveaway

After taking the quiz, leave a comment about which character matched you best.

One commenter will win an autographed copy of The Heart’s Charge!

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Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.
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Comments

  1. I am most like Katherine Palmer according to the quiz. I like to do things without getting any notice for them. I am not a real introvert but don’t like large crowds.

  5. According to the quiz, I got Mark Wallace. I find it humorous because I am a musician just like he was and that question was not in the quiz. I am friendly with people, but very few – and I mean very few – are allowed in to see my inner self. I love being funny and making people laugh. I also like to be the listening ear and many times can see in people’s eyes that they are hurting deeply and will ask if they are OK or if I could pray for them.

    Curious, Karen Witemeyer, which character came up for you?

    • Hi, Rachel! I came up as Katherine. 🙂 Although, as the author, I know there are elements of all four characters that could accurately be attributed to me. Although, I’m sure that’s the case with most people.

    • You’re welcome, Jodie. I wish it was more of a concrete process to describe, but despite being a very left-brained analytical thinker, my character development is rather organic.

      • Chuckle. It gives me food for thought since my characters aren’t talking to me yet. 🙂 Maybe some of your ideas will help them to open up.

  10. I am most like Katherine Palmer. Some question/answers could go either way for me. I think it would be fun for my husband to do this answering for me to see how he sees me. I tend to be hard on myself and he sees qualities I don’t. He’s my biggest fan!

  11. I got Katherine! I just started to book and can’t wait to read on. Fun quiz Karen, thank you!

  12. I’ve taken the quiz twice now, and both times I matched with Mark Wallace. 😀

  13. I did the quiz when you had it up on Facebook and I got Mark. Today is my day off and my answers to the questions must have reflected a difference because I got Katherine this time. Hmmmmm

    • Well, at least you are staying within one core couple. 🙂 With so few questions, changing an answer one one item might be all it takes to change your outcome.

  14. I’ve taken the quiz twice over the last week and got Katherine Palmer both times. Fun quiz and can’t wait to read the book!

  17. Katherine Palmer for me and after reading her description you and your psychology training nailed it 🙂

  19. I got Mark but it said I love talking to people when I’m a very much an introvert and talking to people makes me very nervous. It seems I always fail personality tests! 😉

    • I’ve had other people mention the same thing about Mark. He definitely is the extrovert of the bunch, but he is also a sensitive musician, so maybe you resemble him more on those traits. 🙂

  20. I am most like Katherine Palmer. I truly have a soft heart and love helping others! I’m excited to read this book and learn more about the characters!

  22. I’m most like Mark Wallace ☺️ Friendly and hamming it up with music. Sounds like a match to me!

  23. Super fun quiz! I got Katherine Palmer. And now I can’t wait to read the story. 😊

  24. Apparently I’m a Jonah–and his description sounds much better than the biblical one! (And is pretty applicable to me, so great job on this quiz!)

  26. I matched with Mark, but I found it quite difficult to choose at times. Thank you for this post and quiz!

  28. I am most like Katherine Palmer. Can’t wait to read about her in your book!

  30. I’m most like Mark Wallace.

    When I am developing characters, I’m just like you. I jot down hair color, eyes, height, age, and a few other intricacies, but then I just start writing. My characters reveal themselves as they go along. I have tried to write their characteristics out a few times, but it just slows me down. 🙂

    Love your books, Karen! Thank you for your stories!!!

  31. I got Mark Wallace as the character I’m most like. Thank you so much for the chance to win your book! This was a fun quiz and I appreciated learning how you plot out who your characters are, I think you do a great job with your books.

  39. You are most like Katherine Palmer. This fits me well. Looking forward to reading this book. I really enjoyed the first one.

  40. I am most like Katherine. I am a nuturer by nature and I feel best when I am helping others.

  46. WE HAVE A WINNER!!!
    The Heart’s Charge goes to Nadine. Hooray!
    Nadine – I’ll be sending you an email with instructions on how to claim your prize.

    I really had fun seeing everyone’s responses. Have a lovely weekend!

    • Oh my gosh Karen- thank you So much!!! I’m SO excited! When I saw my name I said “oh – hey!! ” right out loud, even though there’s no-one downstairs to hear me except the dog.( But she’s very happy for me!😉) As soon as my husband is done with his Zoom meeting – he’ll get to hear all about it too!

      I just love all of your books – with each new one I know I can count on having a wonderful time, making new ‘book-friends’ (the perfect kind for this introvert) and always ending with a sigh, wishing the party could go on longer. God has blessed you with a wonderful talent, and I know I’m not alone when I say I’m very grateful for all the enjoyment you bring into my world!

      The Heart’s Charge is a welcome, and needless to say, very special edition to my shelf. Thank you! ♥

      (Yay! 🥰 Still SOOO excited!)

  48. The quiz said that I’m most like Mark Wallace. Some of the description fits, but I’m not terribly outgoing, and I certainly don’t like to be the center of attention. So, I’ll have to read the book to find out the finer points of the characters and what role they play in the story.

  49. Hanger’s Horsemen member Mark Wallace is the result I got after taking the quiz. It says I have an easy-going manner and love chatting with friends or even strangers. People find me easy to talk to and often confide in you. That is quite accurate lol.

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