Creating characters that are real and interesting

    I admit it, I'm obsessed with my main characters.  I am beginning to feel like they are real people. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Of course not.  It means I am being a detailed author. (I am not insane, so stop saying that).  So, what have I done lately to better grasp my Main Character's personalities?
     First off, my main character, Paul, is short. He's 5'2" and knows that he isn't going to grow much taller.  How does he deal with that?  In order to better understand how he would feel, I went searching on forums and blogs for posts from teenagers who are of smaller stature. 
     It was helpful to read personal experiences from guys who are in a similar situation to Paul.  I also picked up useful information that I wouldn't have thought about, like buying clothes and shoes for men who are the same size as boys.  
     'I've also spent time deciding what types of foods he likes, what does he do when he has free time, what does he really dislike, what does he love?  It all helps to make are more rounded character.