I came across these questions on Interviewing a Fictional Character on The Hidden History of Oz. Taken from a list called the Proust Questionnaire, they can help to know a character or person better. Writer Marcel Proust didn’t create the questions, but he answered them twice. The questionnaire has been used in a variety of ways.

Doctor John Watson, great friend and confidant of Sherlock Holmes, is the interviewee.

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? A solved mystery.
2. What is your greatest fear? A quiet life. I thought this was what I wanted after my medical discharge from the army. I didn’t realise how important it was for me to feel useful and challenged beyond my capabilities.
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Thickheadedness. Holmes is quick to point out my failings in this regard.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Duplicity. I take others on face value, and struggle with people who appear sincere but in reality are far from genuine in their intent.
5. Which living person do you most admire? Sherlock Holmes. His mind, his ability to solve the most devious of puzzles, the extensive knowledge that he not only gathers but retains, his bravery – these are but a few of the many admirable traits of Holmes.
6. What is your greatest extravagance? The occasional flutter, either on the horses or on the stock market. As Holmes has pointed out to me occasionally, I am rather suggestible when it comes to the prospect of quick financial gain.
7. What is your current state of mind? Content, yet ready for the next adventure.
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Righteousness. Those who believe they are morally right are seldom so.
9. On what occasion do you lie? To capture a villain.
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance? My bull neck. It does the job of holding my head erect, but is troublesome when I need to purchase collars for my shirts.

I’m participating in this blogging challenge for the month of January, which supports starting the year on the “write” track. You can find out more about the challenge, join in and read other posts here.

Photo: mural on a bookshop at Hornsby, NSW