Character Hobbies

Hanako, my starship captain, is a militaria collector and collects pieces of uniforms and gear from the various factions she encounters. It's got to the point where she now has a museum for the collection to be displayed.

 

Jacob enjoys visiting gym, bowling, fishing, going to movies, reading and camping. Yes, he's good at those that require skill.

His partner, Carrie, enjoys drawing/painting, movies, reading, photographing, walking/running in nature, cooking and camping.
She's great at drawing, nothing special at photographing, and a good cook.

Their son, Hunter, (pre-pubescent); camping, baseball and European football - (plays in his school's football team), singing, video games and board games, Matchbox cars - (collects them), RC cars and airplanes (toy versions), exploring, reading (fantasy, horror, adventure and detective novels), and pranking.
---> He's average at baseball and football, a fantastic singer, good at video games and great at pranking. :D

Their daughter, Freya, (pre-pubescent); drawing, reading, drama club / acting, collecting stuff, board games, camping, and creative writing.
--> She's good at drawing, okay actor for school productions (as is her brother by the way), and good at creative writing.

Then there's Asa, also pre-pubescent; drawing - (has exceptional talent), football & baseball - (okay), skateboarding - (okay, and doesn't actually participate at ramps or anything, just skates on the streets), collects Matchbox cars, collector cards and seashells, adventuring, video games - (good at), and board games.

His mum, Shana; Baking, cooking, garage sales, writing a journal, reading to kids, shopping, traveling, hiking, gardening, dining out, reading (fantasy novels and non-fiction)...
Haven't really thought of yet how good she may or may not be in those, except for her sure being a good cook.

His dad, Scott; Bowling, running, visiting gyn, garage sales, traveling, watching movies, dining out, video ganes...
Again, haven't thought of skill levels yet.

But thank heavens for internet. I wouldn't want to be thinking these up without Google. Because I usually try to come up with several hobbies in order to create more game event and new relationship chances.

 

Strangely every character I've written has had fencing as a hobby - different swords and different skill levels - but one common hobby. I think because it's something I do I can write it comfortably and with some authenticity. Apart from that, I try and tailor hobbies to the character and role they're taking.

 

Alex: Biting her lip, playing with her piercings

Damian: Twirling a pencil, nibbling his nails

 

all of mine have some quirk
woodworking/whittling or carving
making jewelry
building things
equestrian
hmm...collecting snow globes

 

My space marine, Roar is a bit of a jack of all trades, but enjoys things like woodcarving, fishing, cooking, playing music and hiking.
He's passable at most of those things, but don't let him sing.