Make a persona
Create a persona by choosing traits, drawing appearance, naming them, writing a short backstory, and imagining goals for stories or play.
Step-by-step guide to create a persona
DIY Human Origami Tutorial
Step 1
Gather your materials and find a comfy spot to sit.
Step 2
Pick what kind of persona you want to create (for example a brave explorer a funny robot or a mysterious wizard).
Step 3
Choose three personality traits for your persona and write them down (for example kind clever curious).
Step 4
Decide on one special feature (a cape a glowing eye a pet or a magical mark) and write it down.
Step 5
Draw a simple outline of your persona on the paper (head body and major shapes).
Step 6
Add details like hair clothes accessories and the special feature you chose.
Step 7
Color your persona using your coloring materials.
Step 8
Give your persona a name and write it near the drawing.
Step 9
Write a short backstory of two to four sentences about where your persona came from and what they like to do.
Step 10
Write three goals or dreams your persona wants to achieve and one problem or fear that makes stories interesting.
Step 11
Share a photo or description of your finished persona on DIY.org so others can see your creation.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have paper or coloring materials?
If you don't have paper or traditional coloring materials, make your simple outline on a cereal-box panel or cardboard and color it with markers, pens, torn fabric glued on as collage, or even food-safe dyes.
My child can't draw the outline or choose traits—how can we fix that?
If the outline or trait choices are hard, trace a toy or cup for the head/body, pick three traits from a short prompt list (brave, kind, curious), and sketch lightly in pencil so you can erase and add details before coloring.
How can we adapt this persona activity for different ages?
For younger kids use large crayons, stickers for traits, and a one-sentence backstory, while older children can add detailed clothing, a 2–4 sentence backstory, three goals, a fear, and more intricate coloring or mixed-media details.
How can we extend or personalize the finished persona?
Personalize and extend the project by sewing or gluing a real fabric cape for the special feature, adding foil or a tiny LED for a glowing eye, writing a short comic about one of the three goals, and sharing a photo plus description on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to create a persona
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Facts about character creation and storytelling for kids
✍️ Many writers use character sheets (favorite food, biggest fear, secret skill) to build deeper, believable personas.
🎨 Character designers often sketch dozens of looks and outfits before choosing a final appearance.
🧠 Psychologist Carl Jung used the word "persona" to describe the social "mask" we wear — a neat idea for backstories.
🎲 Role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons use character sheets to help players create goals, flaws, and motivations.
🎭 The word "persona" comes from Latin for "mask" — actors used masks to show different characters.
How do you create a persona with a child for stories or play?
What materials do we need to make a child’s persona?
What ages is persona-making suitable for?
What are the benefits of creating personas with children?
Make things. Learn new skills. Share safely.
DIY is a creative community where kids draw, build, explore ideas, and share what they make, all in a safe, moderated space.
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