Foundations of Story Blog 6: Egri's Character Bone Structure for George Costanza

George Costanza

Physiology

1. Sex: Male

2. Age: 36-45

3. “Short, stocky” as described by Elaine

4. Black hair, brown eyes, Caucasian

5. Normal

6. Appearance: Closer to ugly than good-looking, somewhat overweight, neat. Round head.

7. Defects: None, physically

Sociology

1. Class: Middle

2. Occupation: Many short-lived, modestly-paying jobs. However, his longest career was with the New York Yankees, for which he seemed to have made a high salary. Likes jobs with lots of free time.

3. Education: Graduated high school, grades unknown though presumably average.

4. Home life: Parents living, they had high earning power but put most of their money in the bank. George’s parents are very neurotic: both have short tempers and his mother is overbearing. George is a widower, but he is not very jaded by it.

5. Religion: Latvian Orthodox, but does not observe at all.

6. Race, nationality: Caucasian, half-Italian.

7. Place in Community: The “first mate” within his groups of friends, no clubs or sports.

8. Amusements, hobbies: Enjoys watching sports.

Psychology

1. Sex life, Moral standards: Has had many girlfriends for short periods of time, with only one lasting long enough to form a real relationship. Despite this, George’s mind is said to be focused on sex much of the time. Low moral standards, will lie and sacrifice the good of others for his own (often petty) good.

2. Personal Premise, ambition: Wants merely to have a relaxing life with no work and a lot of money.

3. Frustrations, chief disappointments: His plans rarely work due to his flawed logic and bad judgment.

4. Temperament: Choleric.

5. Attitude towards life: Militant in his pursuit of the freedom to be lazy.

6. Complexes: Narcissistic despite his shortcomings, extremely temperamental, fear of diseases, odd affinity for nice restrooms.

7. Extrovert-leaning.

8. Abilities: An extremely talented liar.

9. Qualities: A good imagination used to create plans and lies, bad judgment, average taste, deficient in poise.

10. Slightly lower than average, but was high when he stopped thinking about sex for an extended period of time.