Check Out Characters

We often make quick stops at the market to pick up one or two necessities that don't relate.  This trip attracts additional items as we move down the aisles. Connections among disparate products could provide ideas for comical characters.

Have you ever checked out the items people purchase when you're waiting in the express check out line?

Today I went though the express line around noon behind a woman in spike heels, over-dressed for work. She selected a bottle of specialty Vodka, six small bottles of cranberry juice and four bottles of water.  What kind of afternoon did she plan?  Did she have a bladder infection and thought the Vodka could ease the pain?  Or what else would the afternoon bring?

Behind me, a woman in a warm-up suit placed shampoo and hamburger dill pickles on the moving belt.  Will she shower with a friend and share the dills?  Ice cream would have added another dimension.

An elderly gentleman included a bottle of hot sauce with two large packages of bathroom tissue.

Finally, a young man brought air freshener, sponges and three onions.  What evening did he have planned?

Did you visit the market today?  If not, the next time you go shopping notice the variety of items people purchase. Let your curiosity and imagination make connections.  Develop sketches from your character insights.