Character Sheet

Hello, I’ve not posted in this forum before but I have a question that seems to fit here. I’ve gotten a response from an agent who, in addition to the standard query letter, synopsis and chapter samples, has asked for a “Character Sheet”.
I know Character Sheets are used in building character traits for animated games e.g. physical / temperament / supernatural qualities. These are very complex outlines. They are much more so than I’m used to in writing.

I’ve not come across this type of request from a literary agent before.

Is it common to ask a novelist for a Character Sheet?

What would a suitable Character Sheet for a novel look like? Are there standard formats for such a document?

I’m also wondering what an agent would do with a Character Sheet. Is this used as a device to determine how deeply the author knows his/her characters? Would an agent use this to assess the author more than the work itself?

Thanks you so much for your time.

Puzzled,
Citymouse

I misspoke. It's called a Character Generator. I got a sample copy (pdf) It's 10 pages long and there is supposed to be one for each prominent character. Yikes!
This agent works with other agents in a company. It looks like she's the only one who asks for one of these. She was referred to me by a writer friend for possible representation but she's not accepting any work at the moment, so I'm off the hook as far as this thing goes.
I have to admit at first glance the CG might be a helpful tool in keeping multiple characters straight. Still, I can't but wonder how useful it would be to anyone other than the author or someone building a format other than a novel. Also, getting a cover letter, synopsis, and sample is work enough without a bunch of these.
I can send a pdf copy via PM to anyone who wants one. As I said before I never heard a Character Generator and I thought someone here may shed some light on it.
C

Actually the example I have is much more detailed and structured.
C

Cyia said:

When an agent asked me for a proposal for a novel series, part of it was a bulleted character overview. I would assume a "character sheet" is similar to this (in this instance).

In my case it was:

* [character 1 name]: 1-2 paragraphs of general character history/personality/function in story.


* [character 2 name]: 1-2 paragraphs of general character history/personality/function in story.


I did this for the main characters and important secondaries.

EDIt: Cross posted with OP, so... nevermind.

Click to expand...