Yes, I know there are several threads in the RPA forum branch, but I thought that I would add my own method of creating characters since I seem to preach so much about how important it is to portray on correctly in order to have immersed role play. Now, this is all subjective, you don't have to go and actually make a profile, type it all in to show everyone, etc. This is merely a thread to show you what to think about when considering a new character to role play with.
Now, when first starting out. We want to make something new and fresh, not something that's been done too much. Yeah, I understand that's a little difficult to do since there's not much that hasn't been done before. No worry though, what I am talking about is approaching the same type of character, but in a different way, making them unique to yourself and not the other author. But try to steer away from the more used character bases: Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, Angels, Hybrids, Furries, and general Anime inspired characters. There is so much more to explore than just those kinds of creatures, you just have to tap into your imagination. Again, I'm not telling you that you can't do this, but merely expressing an opinion.
With that said, let's make a character!
- Step One: Naming your character
I have seen various makes of names not only on this site, but through my entire roleplaying career. I've seen the bad, the worse, and the ugly. But I have also seen the incredibly memorable-stuck inside my head forever-names. What I find is that, a name is going to be the first thing that interests an author to interact with your own (at least in my experience). You want to make it simple, easy to read, and have a level of comfort when typing that name. Remember, you're not going to be the only one typing out that name. Having something like Tshldarealade is going to make other readers and authors have to stop what they are doing and concentrate solely on trying to pronounce that name. This in turn distracts from the story, and ruins that experience. Use something as simple as Sarah. But that's too plain! Well, why don't you try playing with the lettering? Use Serah, Sera, Sara, Sarrah, etc. It's still easy to read and easily remembered by other readers and writers. - Step Two: Making a Short Biography
This is what generally is the physical makeup of your character:- Hair Color
- Eye Color
- Weight
- Height
- Age
- Sex
And I am just like you, I can't just picture any person in my head and describe all these things. There's nothing wrong with basing your character's looks off a picture you found. I do it too. But claiming that art as your own work, when it is not, is illegal and immoral. It can also get our wonderful site creator in much trouble! So be sure to cite any and all pictures that you use with a link, or make a small statement at the bottom that it belongs to the original creator and not yourself. Better yet! Don't use the picture at all but describe it through words instead.
You may want to also make a concise personality entry as well, though you don't have to go all out with it. Just give the basics and let people feel your character, and learn about them through the roleplay. Give them a tease, but not the whole cookie. While you don't have to detail it to an extent, this is about making a character and not a profile for your character! You need to think about certain aspects of their personality like:- Temperament
- Moral beliefs
- Ethical beliefs
- Religious beliefs
- Political stance
- Hobbies
- Habits
- Eccentricities
- Likes
- Dislikes
- Phobias
- Goals
Now if you are new to roleplaying/writing/creating characters in general, then this is probably where you should stop as it is all the necessary information but, unfortunately, won't make the character last. But that's okay! We all have to start somewhere, I know I didn't start at with a platinum medal under my belt. For those that are a bit more advanced or wish to challenge themselves, let's carry on!
- Step Three: Creating Weakness
To be blunt and honest, those god-like characters with no flaws, no dents, or rust... are boring and I distaste playing with them, but I still do to be an interactive member, of course. No person is perfect. They are not perfect until you give them flaws! Give your character an astounding and blinding weakness that is what provides tension to fuel his current and long term goals. This does not have to be a physical weakness, it can be psychological as well. One of my favorite weaknesses in a character is played by CptxMorgan, and he even points it out in roleplay through his character. His character is completely and totally human, who is an alcoholic. He is probably the most vulnerable person sitting IC (in character) because he has no powers/magic/abilities/etc whatsoever. It's a beautiful weakness to have and I commend CptxMorgan's roleplaying ability for it.
This is where conflict comes into play during story telling. Make your character have to face this weakness, but never let the readers know that he can overcome it! Build that suspense, let your character fall a few times in defeat, and when the catalyst for evolving is presented at the most opportune moment for a climax, seize that chance but never let anyone see it coming! Dropping subtle hints here and there, again teasing your audience, is the best way to send a thrill into the minds of those that are relating to your character. - Step Four: Building Empathy
You want your readers to be able to connect emotionally and situationally with your character. This creates a bond between the three of you (character, writer, and reader). Nothing can make your character more believable than someone actually saying, "I know exactly how that feels". When you get that response, then you know you have done an excellent job in writing your character, and in his creation. Give readers that backstory in tid-bits, expression their emotions, help them to see things through your characters point of view, and show your audience your character's heart. - Step Five: Obstacles and Goals
When you make a character, you're not just making that character and that's all. You are creating a story from your brilliant imagination. Give your character a goal, and a reason to get to that goal. But don't over do it. We don't need Mary Sues running around too much, but more Lary Whos (Who's that? A realistic character). What you should also do when making goals for him is to create obstacles for him to reach and have to deal with; conflict. Now, they don't always have to be this huge event in their life, they can just be small ones such as getting a flat tire, running out of money, getting fired from work, etc. Help your character overcome these in realistic ways. Don't just make it uninteresting to where they can be instantly solved. That's boring! - Step Six: Evolving Your Character
Writing has two different types of characters: Dynamic and Static. Unless it is an NPC, you want to remain away from having a static character, because having them as your main character will stall the storyline, and eventually make you lost interest from your audience. Static characters are ones that will always remain the same and never change throughout a story. On the other hand, what you want to do is make a Dynamic character; someone who changes and alters their personality. But I warn you! These changes cannot just happen anywhere out of the blue! They must have catalysts, or reasons for them to change. Before you actually set your character off into the RP (roleplay) world, give them a short moment before hand so you can think about what they could go through that would change their view on life. - Step Seven: Stick with Your Character
Don't abandon them just because no one wants to play with them. Most likely the reason they aren't getting any action is because you are trying to implement them into a story or you haven't created one that others appeal towards. That's okay though if you can't do that. General roleplay will eventually get your character some attention, from someone, somewhere. You just have to keep an eye out for who, and where that is. More often than not, people tend to roleplay with characters that they have seen over and over again, because they get into the mindset that you love that character and they are not just going to disappear for no reason! - Step Eight: Stay Consistent
Don't just give your character some sort of power/ability/talent/magic out of the blue. That ruins the character and destroys their story. Don't make them fall in love with the first person they meet either. Changing their history on the fly is also very detrimental to the survival of your character. If you decide to change anything about them, bring it on slowy, and allow it to have a plausible reason for the change. Always, always, always, remain within the boundary of your character's capability. - Step Nine: Character Interaction
We've got the character now and we only have to take him out into the world! This is great! When interacting with other characters, remember that you are collaboratively writing with other authors. Don't be afraid to let them effect your character with their character's actions. If yours doesn't like what's going on particularly, then create conflict and find a resolution! Also, don't be afraid to effect someone's character either; take an initiative. Meta-gaming, GodModing, PowerPlaying are all frowned upon by the roleplaying community and should be avoided completely. No one likes for others to decide what happens to their characters, especially when it comes to death. So do take in consideration what you are writing and how it can possibly effect others. I can accept a Mary Sue, but I can't accept someone choosing what to do with my character for themselves. - Step Ten: Have Fun
The whole point of roleplaying and making a great character is to have fun and forget about the worries of life for just a little while. Don't let anything that goes on IC take a toll on you outside of that little fictional world. We're all here just to have a good time, and having people yell at us for ridiculous reasons, harassing to roleplay, flaming a person's character choice or style of roleplay, etc is just going to mark you as someone who doesn't really want to be here for the community but for their own selfish desires. So, take care in all that you do and say here at RoleplayGatway.
If you have any questions, feedback, or comments do add them here for further discussion. I don't wish to be PM'd because I rather it all to be seen so that others can share in with the knowledge.
