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- Joined
- Mar 31, 2009
Dear User,
This thread is not limited to literacy level, nor has labeled itself with any tag of literary status. The purpose of the thread is to guide character creation, enhance character individuality, aid in creating suitable character introductions, feed character growth, support character dynamics, outline appealing character interaction, as well as improving the integration of oneâs character based on the standards of a role play.
Each segment includes helpful hints, lead by example of Sebastian and Delilah and prince and princess (and under my perception and opinion) of what a good character entails. If in the content below you find yourself disagreeing with my opinions discontinue use of this thread.
The thread is for use of individuals looking to create upstanding characters, NOT to debate my ideals of character creation.
Section I: Character Build
The character build should be basic, a simple outline, fairly unembellished.
There is a large variation between individual applications. Each character sheet ( A term often used in old Dungeon and Dragons character creations...) is created specifically to be of relevance to the role play. Your character application is the foundation of the creation process as well as your âticketâ into the role playing community.
In some cases a role play wonât even specify for a character application, however despite this not being a requirement itâs important to create one for your own benefit. A skeleton character sheet, per say...
Wisedom from Bunny: If you build on sand your character shifts and is easily washed away. Creating a solid foundation is the most important step to character creation.
Due to the large variety of applications and standards of what character creation should start with, Iâve constructed a standard application observed below:
Name:
Gender
Age:
Appearance:
Personality:
History:
(Assuming you have no character in mind.) Some applications can be daunting, while still others, even as small as the one above, can put pressure on a creator. Logically, you would begin pondering on a name, however- experience will eventually tell you that before you develop anything you must develop first a gender, then a past in reference to the storyline. While, many would not agree with this order itâs easier to create your character if you begin with where the individual came from as well as their obvious gender. Experiences youâve had in the past have a direct effect on the person you are today. By filling out the history first you have already begun to shape the most extensive installment of your character; personality.
The History is often the hardest, most tedious of the application and because it gives your character direct relevance to the storyline. Itâs important that you begin to shape your character based on this. If not, your character creation may become a chore.
To begin, focus on generalizations. Observed below is a list of questions that should be answered in any basic character history:
Where was your character born?
(i.e. A small suburban neighborhood on the outskirts ofâ¦-)
How did your character grow up?
(i.e. Within a struggling middle class familyâ¦-)
Whatâs your characters family situation ?
(i.e. One among three offspring under the guardianship of fatherâ¦-)
What was the most impacting event of your characterâs life?
(i.e. The death of motherâ¦-)
Why and how has your character come to be where they are?
(i.e. This is a question in relevance to the specific storylineâ¦-)
The personality can be just as challenging, but now that you have the basic outline of the history you can begin to understand in what direction your character is leading. Again, you can either focus on generalizations or, create a list of adjectives that will create the âskeletonâ of personality. Below is not only a list of questions to answer, but also a list of relevant adjectives. Remember, base your personality outline on negative and neutral flaws.
How does your character react emotionally?
(i.e. Overly dramatic, easily upset, easily angeredâ¦-)
How does your character react mentally?
(i.e. Dwells, over thinks, easily distractedâ¦-)
How does your character react physical?
(i.e. Confrontational, stubborn, unwilling to listenâ¦-)
What are your characterâs Fears? (Negative flaws)
(i.e. Pain, uselessness, unworthinessâ¦-)
Adjectives: Aggressive, Pigheaded, Self centered, Illogical, Emotional, Hysterical, Exasperating.
The appearance is by far less challenging than the previous two endeavors, and often the most distinguished of character creation. Your characterâs physical description also has basic question answer format to abide by. Even if a picture is an available option a limited physical description should be presented realistically.
Physical appearances reflect character personality as well as character history. Scars, marks as well as build are evidence of a event in history the character endured. (Can you see how even the characterâs appearance adds depth?)
Questions to be answered regarding a characterâs physical appearance:
How tall is your character?
(i.e. 5â8ââ¦-)
How much does your character weigh?
(i.e. 146lbs..-)
What is the skin color/orientation of your character?
(i.e. Paleâ¦-)
What are the defining marks of your character?
(i.e. Lightly Freckledâ¦-)
What color are the eyes and hair of your character?
(i.e. Hazel; Strawberry Blondeâ¦-)
What length/texture is the hair of your character?
(i.e Neck; Straightâ¦-)
Finally the easiest step that symbolizes the ending of your basic character build, the name and age. Give careful thought to this, for it will impact you character interactions as well as your character development. Someone of an older age tends to be more mature, with more well defined talents, however they are often more resistant to changes to their attributes or habits. While someone younger will be, of course, the opposite in most generalizationsâ¦
Name: Delilah
Gender: Female
Age: 19
Appearance: 5â8â and 146 lbs, with pale, lightly freckled skin. Strawberry blonde hair falls straight against her neck.
Personality: Aggressive, Pigheaded, Self centered, Illogical, Emotional, Hysterical, and Exasperating, Delilah is easily distracted. Sheâs highly confrontational, and easily upset and angered. She fears emotional pain, and is concerned with being useless or unworthy, despite this she is usually unwilling to listen to what many have to say, negative or positive.
History: Born in a small suburban neighborhood Delilah grew up with two fellow siblings. Her mother passed when she was young, and therefore she lives under the care of her father. The family struggles to remain stable in middle class society. (No storyline in relevance to this characterâ¦-)
Name: Sebastian
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Appearance: 5â10â 163lbs, with peachy, rough skin, lightly calloused. Tussled light brown hair, curling slightly from his scalp.
Personality: Solemn, Introverted, Hot headed, Pessimist, and Untrusting, Sebastian takes things to heart, and usually holds grudges. Heâs easily deterred or discouraged, and fears dependency. He rarely concerns himself with the feelings of others and is a man of habit. Sebastian is outright arrogant.
History: Born in the hustle of the city in a high rising penthouse, Sebastian grew up as an only child in the fanciful life of the rich. His mother and father divorced and he was forced to find independence. He struggles to remain stable while pursuing his dreams. (No storyline in relevant to this characterâ¦-)
Section II: A look into you and your Character...
This thread is to be used as a tool to inspire, guide and open new doors to character depth.
Contrary to popular belief, the first step of character creation does not begin with an application. To proceed in your characterization you must first define the following:
-Yourself .
-Your Desires.
Whatâs the relevance of this to character creation? Itâs a significant familiarity among role players. Commonly, a creator may be reflected directly into their creation.
Consciously or subconsciously we have placed ourselves into a specific assortment of adjectives that describe us physically as well as both mentally and emotionally. (i.e.: Passive, Aggressive, Delicate, Hardy, Dominate, Submissive, Wise, Satirical, Judgmental, Deceiving, Temperamental, Understanding, Pondering..-) While, to balance this, we also, again; consciously or subconsciously find ourselves desiring to be or have different faults, talents, physical traits as well as emotional and mental attributes. (i.e.: Be more intelligent, be more physically arousing, be less fearfulâ¦-)
Due to this, when creating a character, a writer will fall into one of three categories; though it may vary slightly with each individual.
The first most commonly known category is a mix of both what the creator desires and selective characteristics of themselves. This will often result in what is know popularly as a âMary Sueâ. (A character with generic traits that excels at most every endeavor.)
This type of character creation is based on neutral or positive characteristics from the creator as well as desires. These combinations create a âperfect humanâ but, holds little interest.
The second category is based on desires and often times is used when âGender Bendingâ. (A writer who creates a character of the opposite gender.) This type of character is based on the creatorâs wants in attributes of a partner or companion. If done correctly this type of character can be the most stimulating as well as challenging. However, this type of character creation is still disgustingly prone to generic traits. (Refer to âMary Sueâ)
The Third, and final category is based on both previous character types. This creator enhances certain characteristics to overshadow others. Often times the character will balance on extremes, (i.e. Reluctant to be social, yet desires to be social, and when becoming social is friendly while being aloof.) This type of character is often confusing, and while humans are a mix of contractions, it leaves fellow characters pondering your true intent.
So you see, you have a significant impact on your characterâs creation, whether creating it in your own image or creating it with desire. While the character creation types are not wrong they lack something fundamentalâ¦
Itâs widely known that humans are not perfect, thus your character shouldnât be perfect. How can you avoid this? Create a character based on faults. Crazy? No- humans are a combination of negative and neutral faults. (Negative faults are flaws that hinder [i.e. Easily provoked] while neutral faults are flaws that define. [i.e. Clumsy]) By designing your characters on negative and neutral faults you ensure a unique individual. However, donât forget to add spices of positive attributes.
Remember, we are all perfect faults of imperfect perfections.
Section III: Negative, Neutral, Positive
Use your opinions of negative flaws to your advantage. If you happen to be a very disagreeable person in reality, think of the attributes or annoyances of your day to day interaction with another individual. You may not wish to use the specific attributes in your beloved character, however, it will help you sharpen the personality of your characters when having a tangible comparison. [I.e. Talks too much. ]
Remember, negative flaws hinder interaction or cause conflict. This is important to a characterâs dynamic with your partner(s) character(s); even to the story line. [I.e. Prince has a bad temper, while princess rises to the occasion, causing divide in allegiances in the kingdom.] But, donât forget to define. [I.e. Princess often cries in anger. (A simple cork can add a dynamic. We know that she is angry, but in her anger she is vulnerable. The action is specific to her and adds more depth to her anger. From a mere neutral âflawâ it can be assumed that she doesnât wish to fight with the prince. Adding more depth into the situation and interaction without even writing it. This saves boring explanation and allows the readers/partner to sink into the story rather than detailed and mechanical explanation. )] If you are still confused as to what I mean, think of this:
âThe princess was angry at the prince, but more so sadden at his reaction. Though she did not show it she secretly felt that he hated her. So her anger arose. But, he would never know her true feelings even as she went to hide her tears.â
ZOMG-- Boring smut response. While, something like this:
âThe princess was angry with the Prince. (Duh) Trembling she fought the tears as her vision blurred. It was no use, silken droplets slid down flushed cheeks, lingering on the dimple of her frowning lips before rolling down her chin. Unhindered in her frustration she turned her back, her stature stiff, âLeave!â She demanded, her voice without quiver or sniffle.â
It can be assumed that whatever he said has hurt her. Her pride has made her angry, instead of cowering. If you can not see the depth difference, please begin at the introduction again before reading on.
Now that we have discussed Negative and Neutral attributes that hinder and define lets talk about positive characteristics. Positive attributes are there to enhance character interaction. Positive points of your character should be traits that do not impede, but encourage character interaction. [I.e. The princess loves sex] But, remember, like negative traits, a neutral trait should always balance it. NEUTRAL TRAITS DEFINE. [I.e. The princess loves sex against the wall, on the floor, in the water and on the balcony during public balls] Obviously, if the princess loves sex it makes it easier for your partner to approach her. As she will have a social intent. The fact that you can define this âPositiveâ trait with neutral traits allows a more specific interaction.
Instead of the princess just having sex with a character. You have pointed out that your character (the princess) is ready and willing to change the scenario to her benefit. Even giving ideas and feeding the creativity to your partner. You have created many interactive options for your fellow role-player by defining with neutral traits.
Are you beginning to see why character creation is so important to role-playing?
Personal opinion weighs heavily on character creation. Meaning, if you feel that liking to have sex, for instance, is not a positive trait then you may want to make sure your partner agrees. However, the rule for positive traits is that it ENCOURAGES character interaction, but does not hinder like negative attributes do.
You have now embellished and enhanced your character. Donât forget however, that despite having a skeleton outline of a character (Which is very important) that the storyline will impact reactions.
Take note: Your character will change and develop. Perhaps grow more mature, or learn to control more of the negative attributes that hinder interactions. They will always keep their neutral traits though, and may even find more negative characteristics.
But, throughout everything remember: Define, detail-- and most importantly.. Be aware of your partnerâs wants and needs.
Thank you for reading the basic guide of character creation. Flame away.
This thread is not limited to literacy level, nor has labeled itself with any tag of literary status. The purpose of the thread is to guide character creation, enhance character individuality, aid in creating suitable character introductions, feed character growth, support character dynamics, outline appealing character interaction, as well as improving the integration of oneâs character based on the standards of a role play.
Each segment includes helpful hints, lead by example of Sebastian and Delilah and prince and princess (and under my perception and opinion) of what a good character entails. If in the content below you find yourself disagreeing with my opinions discontinue use of this thread.
The thread is for use of individuals looking to create upstanding characters, NOT to debate my ideals of character creation.
Section I: Character Build
The character build should be basic, a simple outline, fairly unembellished.
There is a large variation between individual applications. Each character sheet ( A term often used in old Dungeon and Dragons character creations...) is created specifically to be of relevance to the role play. Your character application is the foundation of the creation process as well as your âticketâ into the role playing community.
In some cases a role play wonât even specify for a character application, however despite this not being a requirement itâs important to create one for your own benefit. A skeleton character sheet, per say...
Wisedom from Bunny: If you build on sand your character shifts and is easily washed away. Creating a solid foundation is the most important step to character creation.
Due to the large variety of applications and standards of what character creation should start with, Iâve constructed a standard application observed below:
Name:
Gender
Age:
Appearance:
Personality:
History:
(Assuming you have no character in mind.) Some applications can be daunting, while still others, even as small as the one above, can put pressure on a creator. Logically, you would begin pondering on a name, however- experience will eventually tell you that before you develop anything you must develop first a gender, then a past in reference to the storyline. While, many would not agree with this order itâs easier to create your character if you begin with where the individual came from as well as their obvious gender. Experiences youâve had in the past have a direct effect on the person you are today. By filling out the history first you have already begun to shape the most extensive installment of your character; personality.
The History is often the hardest, most tedious of the application and because it gives your character direct relevance to the storyline. Itâs important that you begin to shape your character based on this. If not, your character creation may become a chore.
To begin, focus on generalizations. Observed below is a list of questions that should be answered in any basic character history:
Where was your character born?
(i.e. A small suburban neighborhood on the outskirts ofâ¦-)
How did your character grow up?
(i.e. Within a struggling middle class familyâ¦-)
Whatâs your characters family situation ?
(i.e. One among three offspring under the guardianship of fatherâ¦-)
What was the most impacting event of your characterâs life?
(i.e. The death of motherâ¦-)
Why and how has your character come to be where they are?
(i.e. This is a question in relevance to the specific storylineâ¦-)
The personality can be just as challenging, but now that you have the basic outline of the history you can begin to understand in what direction your character is leading. Again, you can either focus on generalizations or, create a list of adjectives that will create the âskeletonâ of personality. Below is not only a list of questions to answer, but also a list of relevant adjectives. Remember, base your personality outline on negative and neutral flaws.
How does your character react emotionally?
(i.e. Overly dramatic, easily upset, easily angeredâ¦-)
How does your character react mentally?
(i.e. Dwells, over thinks, easily distractedâ¦-)
How does your character react physical?
(i.e. Confrontational, stubborn, unwilling to listenâ¦-)
What are your characterâs Fears? (Negative flaws)
(i.e. Pain, uselessness, unworthinessâ¦-)
Adjectives: Aggressive, Pigheaded, Self centered, Illogical, Emotional, Hysterical, Exasperating.
The appearance is by far less challenging than the previous two endeavors, and often the most distinguished of character creation. Your characterâs physical description also has basic question answer format to abide by. Even if a picture is an available option a limited physical description should be presented realistically.
Physical appearances reflect character personality as well as character history. Scars, marks as well as build are evidence of a event in history the character endured. (Can you see how even the characterâs appearance adds depth?)
Questions to be answered regarding a characterâs physical appearance:
How tall is your character?
(i.e. 5â8ââ¦-)
How much does your character weigh?
(i.e. 146lbs..-)
What is the skin color/orientation of your character?
(i.e. Paleâ¦-)
What are the defining marks of your character?
(i.e. Lightly Freckledâ¦-)
What color are the eyes and hair of your character?
(i.e. Hazel; Strawberry Blondeâ¦-)
What length/texture is the hair of your character?
(i.e Neck; Straightâ¦-)
Finally the easiest step that symbolizes the ending of your basic character build, the name and age. Give careful thought to this, for it will impact you character interactions as well as your character development. Someone of an older age tends to be more mature, with more well defined talents, however they are often more resistant to changes to their attributes or habits. While someone younger will be, of course, the opposite in most generalizationsâ¦
Name: Delilah
Gender: Female
Age: 19
Appearance: 5â8â and 146 lbs, with pale, lightly freckled skin. Strawberry blonde hair falls straight against her neck.
Personality: Aggressive, Pigheaded, Self centered, Illogical, Emotional, Hysterical, and Exasperating, Delilah is easily distracted. Sheâs highly confrontational, and easily upset and angered. She fears emotional pain, and is concerned with being useless or unworthy, despite this she is usually unwilling to listen to what many have to say, negative or positive.
History: Born in a small suburban neighborhood Delilah grew up with two fellow siblings. Her mother passed when she was young, and therefore she lives under the care of her father. The family struggles to remain stable in middle class society. (No storyline in relevance to this characterâ¦-)
Name: Sebastian
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Appearance: 5â10â 163lbs, with peachy, rough skin, lightly calloused. Tussled light brown hair, curling slightly from his scalp.
Personality: Solemn, Introverted, Hot headed, Pessimist, and Untrusting, Sebastian takes things to heart, and usually holds grudges. Heâs easily deterred or discouraged, and fears dependency. He rarely concerns himself with the feelings of others and is a man of habit. Sebastian is outright arrogant.
History: Born in the hustle of the city in a high rising penthouse, Sebastian grew up as an only child in the fanciful life of the rich. His mother and father divorced and he was forced to find independence. He struggles to remain stable while pursuing his dreams. (No storyline in relevant to this characterâ¦-)
Section II: A look into you and your Character...
This thread is to be used as a tool to inspire, guide and open new doors to character depth.
Contrary to popular belief, the first step of character creation does not begin with an application. To proceed in your characterization you must first define the following:
-Yourself .
-Your Desires.
Whatâs the relevance of this to character creation? Itâs a significant familiarity among role players. Commonly, a creator may be reflected directly into their creation.
Consciously or subconsciously we have placed ourselves into a specific assortment of adjectives that describe us physically as well as both mentally and emotionally. (i.e.: Passive, Aggressive, Delicate, Hardy, Dominate, Submissive, Wise, Satirical, Judgmental, Deceiving, Temperamental, Understanding, Pondering..-) While, to balance this, we also, again; consciously or subconsciously find ourselves desiring to be or have different faults, talents, physical traits as well as emotional and mental attributes. (i.e.: Be more intelligent, be more physically arousing, be less fearfulâ¦-)
Due to this, when creating a character, a writer will fall into one of three categories; though it may vary slightly with each individual.
The first most commonly known category is a mix of both what the creator desires and selective characteristics of themselves. This will often result in what is know popularly as a âMary Sueâ. (A character with generic traits that excels at most every endeavor.)
This type of character creation is based on neutral or positive characteristics from the creator as well as desires. These combinations create a âperfect humanâ but, holds little interest.
The second category is based on desires and often times is used when âGender Bendingâ. (A writer who creates a character of the opposite gender.) This type of character is based on the creatorâs wants in attributes of a partner or companion. If done correctly this type of character can be the most stimulating as well as challenging. However, this type of character creation is still disgustingly prone to generic traits. (Refer to âMary Sueâ)
The Third, and final category is based on both previous character types. This creator enhances certain characteristics to overshadow others. Often times the character will balance on extremes, (i.e. Reluctant to be social, yet desires to be social, and when becoming social is friendly while being aloof.) This type of character is often confusing, and while humans are a mix of contractions, it leaves fellow characters pondering your true intent.
So you see, you have a significant impact on your characterâs creation, whether creating it in your own image or creating it with desire. While the character creation types are not wrong they lack something fundamentalâ¦
Itâs widely known that humans are not perfect, thus your character shouldnât be perfect. How can you avoid this? Create a character based on faults. Crazy? No- humans are a combination of negative and neutral faults. (Negative faults are flaws that hinder [i.e. Easily provoked] while neutral faults are flaws that define. [i.e. Clumsy]) By designing your characters on negative and neutral faults you ensure a unique individual. However, donât forget to add spices of positive attributes.
Remember, we are all perfect faults of imperfect perfections.
Section III: Negative, Neutral, Positive
Use your opinions of negative flaws to your advantage. If you happen to be a very disagreeable person in reality, think of the attributes or annoyances of your day to day interaction with another individual. You may not wish to use the specific attributes in your beloved character, however, it will help you sharpen the personality of your characters when having a tangible comparison. [I.e. Talks too much. ]
Remember, negative flaws hinder interaction or cause conflict. This is important to a characterâs dynamic with your partner(s) character(s); even to the story line. [I.e. Prince has a bad temper, while princess rises to the occasion, causing divide in allegiances in the kingdom.] But, donât forget to define. [I.e. Princess often cries in anger. (A simple cork can add a dynamic. We know that she is angry, but in her anger she is vulnerable. The action is specific to her and adds more depth to her anger. From a mere neutral âflawâ it can be assumed that she doesnât wish to fight with the prince. Adding more depth into the situation and interaction without even writing it. This saves boring explanation and allows the readers/partner to sink into the story rather than detailed and mechanical explanation. )] If you are still confused as to what I mean, think of this:
âThe princess was angry at the prince, but more so sadden at his reaction. Though she did not show it she secretly felt that he hated her. So her anger arose. But, he would never know her true feelings even as she went to hide her tears.â
ZOMG-- Boring smut response. While, something like this:
âThe princess was angry with the Prince. (Duh) Trembling she fought the tears as her vision blurred. It was no use, silken droplets slid down flushed cheeks, lingering on the dimple of her frowning lips before rolling down her chin. Unhindered in her frustration she turned her back, her stature stiff, âLeave!â She demanded, her voice without quiver or sniffle.â
It can be assumed that whatever he said has hurt her. Her pride has made her angry, instead of cowering. If you can not see the depth difference, please begin at the introduction again before reading on.
Now that we have discussed Negative and Neutral attributes that hinder and define lets talk about positive characteristics. Positive attributes are there to enhance character interaction. Positive points of your character should be traits that do not impede, but encourage character interaction. [I.e. The princess loves sex] But, remember, like negative traits, a neutral trait should always balance it. NEUTRAL TRAITS DEFINE. [I.e. The princess loves sex against the wall, on the floor, in the water and on the balcony during public balls] Obviously, if the princess loves sex it makes it easier for your partner to approach her. As she will have a social intent. The fact that you can define this âPositiveâ trait with neutral traits allows a more specific interaction.
Instead of the princess just having sex with a character. You have pointed out that your character (the princess) is ready and willing to change the scenario to her benefit. Even giving ideas and feeding the creativity to your partner. You have created many interactive options for your fellow role-player by defining with neutral traits.
Are you beginning to see why character creation is so important to role-playing?
Personal opinion weighs heavily on character creation. Meaning, if you feel that liking to have sex, for instance, is not a positive trait then you may want to make sure your partner agrees. However, the rule for positive traits is that it ENCOURAGES character interaction, but does not hinder like negative attributes do.
You have now embellished and enhanced your character. Donât forget however, that despite having a skeleton outline of a character (Which is very important) that the storyline will impact reactions.
Take note: Your character will change and develop. Perhaps grow more mature, or learn to control more of the negative attributes that hinder interactions. They will always keep their neutral traits though, and may even find more negative characteristics.
But, throughout everything remember: Define, detail-- and most importantly.. Be aware of your partnerâs wants and needs.
Thank you for reading the basic guide of character creation. Flame away.
