One of the first processes I go through to get to know the characters I want to have in my novel, is to complete a character Q&A. The template I use is assembled from suggestions made by a number of writing classes and books on writing, and I add to or subtract from it as I see fit, given the story and the role. Here you can read my character Q&A for Claire, who is one of the minor, contemporary characters in Thalassa.
Character Q&A
Brenda Hall 