Creating Your Character

[Lockdown]

Hello my fellow writers,

As of late I started wondering how other writers go about creating characters. I figured my process was the same as everyone else’s which is starting from the ground up. Sure I might have one character in mind from a story that didn’t lift off the ground, but 9/10 times my characters was tailored for the story. From the name, to his backstory, and even from his motivations/personality.

But after sifting through some RT & Out of Character threads I realized some users use the same name for their characters while others simply use the same exact character just for a different story. Not everyone does this but it did catch my eye how prevalent this is in some ongoing roleplays as well when I skimmed through some stories from the same writers.

So I’m interested to hear how my fellow writers go about creating their characters.

Here’s what I personally do:

• First, I start with the story I pitch to a potential partner and think of a character that’ll fit in this world which I won’t get bored of writing.
• Next, I then think of other fictional works that I can gain inspiration from and either mix & match concepts I like to create something new or create something all on my own from the start.
• Then, I sometimes create a character sheet and then inform my partner of who I intend to play as.
• Lastly, I then use the first few posts to get a feel of the character before I’ve finally created him in his entirety.
• With the cherry on top being his name dedicated as an Easter egg for the story because I’m a sucker for solving Easter eggs myself.

Ex.
Vincent: Means "Conquerer" and I used it for a character that had his body conquered. Vincent was possessed by my real character (Deus, which also has a meaning but let’s ignore that for now) who I was playing. This was a vital plot point to the story since everyone thought he was a regular human but in reality had something more ancient lurking beneath the skin
Connor: Means "Son of wolf" which I used for a werewolf character

Then voila, I’m done. So, how do you go about creating your character(s)?

 

[obieblu]

A long time ago, I was very thorough with my character creation. I'd even sometimes use literary character surveys to get into minutiae like their favorite food as a child. But with the frequency in getting ghosted before or after the first post, and that these are the characters that get stuck in my head for years, I backed off on that.

I changed to writing a detailed description and brief character history. I usually assign them an MBTI profile that helps direct how they think and act. Sometimes, I'll throw everything I write for myself about the character into GPT and ask it to suggest MBTI/archetypes, and then I decide if they fit.

I also used to do self-abusive amounts of historical or domain research for characters. On my list of redic research topics are: what ancient middle eastern leaders died in ways that could have been assassinated by a jinn (MC), which foreign-located US military bases had families present so MC could be born there, international joint custody laws, and post-WWII attempts at genocide in Eastern Europe. I now leave these things for if they actually come up in conversation or require some narration. And, in the age of GPTs, I don't need to spend hours clicking through google for these things.

TLDR: I write description, brief life history, usually MBTI to start, then have a rolling creation process so long as the RP continues.

 

[Lockdown]

A long time ago, I was very thorough with my character creation. I'd even sometimes use literary character surveys to get into minutiae like their favorite food as a child. But with the frequency in getting ghosted before or after the first post, and that these are the characters that get stuck in my head for years, I backed off on that.

I changed to writing a detailed description and brief character history. I usually assign them an MBTI profile that helps direct how they think and act. Sometimes, I'll throw everything I write for myself about the character into GPT and ask it to suggest MBTI/archetypes, and then I decide if they fit.

I also used to do self-abusive amounts of historical or domain research for characters. On my list of redic research topics are: what ancient middle eastern leaders died in ways that could have been assassinated by a jinn (MC), which foreign-located US military bases had families present so MC could be born there, international joint custody laws, and post-WWII attempts at genocide in Eastern Europe. I now leave these things for if they actually come up in conversation or require some narration. And, in the age of GPTs, I don't need to spend hours clicking through google for these things.

TLDR: I write description, brief life history, usually MBTI to start, then have a rolling creation process so long as the RP continues.

Oh wow, you’re even more detail oriented than me. I love how in depth you look at what would normally happen to someone in that time period like the example you gave of how middle eastern leaders cause of death. I never thought of using the MBTI profiles though. I usually use the alignment chart or base a personality off of someone I know or from fiction.

Yes, I agree that my I put much less effort than I used to for character creation because of how prevalent ghosting is. But ironically I find myself enjoying the character creation more than the story itself and just find myself getting lost with creating the character. So even if the roleplay barely gets off the ground I see it as a zero some or even slight pro in my book because I had my fun creating someone unique. Although it is definitely a bonus to actually use him in a story.

Thanks for the descriptive explanation!

 

[Trussed Maiden]

I'm a little more hokey. First I get some kind of inspiration. Often a faceclaim that speaks to me but it might just be the skeleton of an idea I could play where appearance fills in a bit later. I get some basics together, a pretty minimal character sheet of sorts. I get a rough summary idea of who they are and what's their shtick. Then I pretty much build on that as things go unless a roleplay needs more upfront. The roleplay usually fleshes out the comfort zone of who the character really is in any detailed sense. Things like their favorite food or advanced setting research either come with scenarios where that sort of thing is quick to come up or after spending some time with them. It also just depends what I'm getting into. I often like roleplays playing out a certain circumstance that don't need a whole nine yards in character work. Sometimes they're not meant to go further than that...

 

[Lockdown]

I'm a little more hokey. First I get some kind of inspiration. Often a faceclaim that speaks to me but it might just be the skeleton of an idea I could play where appearance fills in a bit later. I get some basics together, a pretty minimal character sheet of sorts. I get a rough summary idea of who they are and what's their shtick. Then I pretty much build on that as things go unless a roleplay needs more upfront. The roleplay usually fleshes out the comfort zone of who the character really is in any detailed sense. Things like their favorite food or advanced setting research either come with scenarios where that sort of thing is quick to come up or after spending some time with them. It also just depends what I'm getting into. I often like roleplays playing out a certain circumstance that don't need a whole nine yards in character work. Sometimes they're not meant to go further than that...

Yes I also agree. Sometimes I like for the story to round off my character by filling in the gaps of his likes, dislikes, history, etc depending on where the story goes. I realized that having his entire life planned out really kills the flexibility of including parts of the story into his personality or history. I also agree that you don’t need a really in-depth character. Just something that is good enough to fit in the story.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Zephyra]

Heyo! Just wanted to pitch in here that my process is pretty similar to yours. I create a new character for every roleplay I do as well. In the past, I used to occasionally reuse characters for different roleplays, and I can see how that might be beneficial for some. It allows you to really develop a character and learn how they think and act when using them for so many different stories, so I'm sure there's even a degree of proficiency to be had there when you're so used to writing the same person. But for me it makes things feel a lot more fresh if I have a unique character for every individual roleplay, and I love portraying all sorts of different personalities and appearances so it helps me scratch that itch as well.

As for the actual creation process, it goes something like this:

• I decide on a plot idea with my partner. Need to confirm key details about the lore, the world, and the roles that our characters will be playing.
• Afterward, I go hunting for a face claim. This is probably the most important part for me, honestly. I pretty much design my entire character around whatever the 'vibe' of the face claim I choose is, while taking into account the original roles we've decided on as well. I pick one that I find both aesthetically pleasing and can generally suit the setting/role.
• At this point I just make a character sheet; I like to have a good bit of detail on them so I can just reference back to them later, and I feel like writing all my thoughts down about my character and their backstory, personality, and any other random or interesting bits of trivia helps me remember them and apply them effectively in the story.
• That's it! I consider myself done here, but exploring their mindset in universe and their dynamic with the other character(s) in the roleplay itself means that they're probably going to be constantly evolving and perhaps changing beyond what was originally listed in the sheet, so I may have to go back and rework certain things as the story unfolds. Either way, the sheet is more of a guide and not a be-all-end-all sort of thing, so I like to be loose and understanding with it!

Pretty standard stuff. I do like to make detailed character sheets, but I'm flexible and able to do simpler ones based on partner preference. As long as I can get the gist of things down, we're golden. I used to do like, a whole likes/dislikes section and whatnot, but I skip that kind of thing nowadays and just allow for it to come up naturally in the story. It's definitely been a thing where I've made long character sheets in the past only to be ghosted before the roleplay even starts, rip. Maybe I'll reuse them if the right situation ever comes along.

 

[Lockdown]

Heyo! Just wanted to pitch in here that my process is pretty similar to yours. I create a new character for every roleplay I do as well. In the past, I used to occasionally reuse characters for different roleplays, and I can see how that might be beneficial for some. It allows you to really develop a character and learn how they think and act when using them for so many different stories, so I'm sure there's even a degree of proficiency to be had there when you're so used to writing the same person. But for me it makes things feel a lot more fresh if I have a unique character for every individual roleplay, and I love portraying all sorts of different personalities and appearances so it helps me scratch that itch as well.

As for the actual creation process, it goes something like this:

• I decide on a plot idea with my partner. Need to confirm key details about the lore, the world, and the roles that our characters will be playing.
• Afterward, I go hunting for a face claim. This is probably the most important part for me, honestly. I pretty much design my entire character around whatever the 'vibe' of the face claim I choose is, while taking into account the original roles we've decided on as well. I pick one that I find both aesthetically pleasing and can generally suit the setting/role.
• At this point I just make a character sheet; I like to have a good bit of detail on them so I can just reference back to them later, and I feel like writing all my thoughts down about my character and their backstory, personality, and any other random or interesting bits of trivia helps me remember them and apply them effectively in the story.
• That's it! I consider myself done here, but exploring their mindset in universe and their dynamic with the other character(s) in the roleplay itself means that they're probably going to be constantly evolving and perhaps changing beyond what was originally listed in the sheet, so I may have to go back and rework certain things as the story unfolds. Either way, the sheet is more of a guide and not a be-all-end-all sort of thing, so I like to be loose and understanding with it!

Pretty standard stuff. I do like to make detailed character sheets, but I'm flexible and able to do simpler ones based on partner preference. As long as I can get the gist of things down, we're golden. I used to do like, a whole likes/dislikes section and whatnot, but I skip that kind of thing nowadays and just allow for it to come up naturally in the story. It's definitely been a thing where I've made long character sheets in the past only to be ghosted before the roleplay even starts, rip. Maybe I'll reuse them if the right situation ever comes along.

Hello Zephyra

I remember you mentioned you were looking for a face claim when we were creating our characters. That makes so much sense now. I usually can’t find the face claim that I want so I just describe the gentleman that I’ll be playing but luckily I was able to find one for our story. I usually do the opposite and start creating the character and then imagine what he’ll look like with those traits and then go looking for the closest picture which matches my imagination.
I also agree on the likes/dislikes part. I realized it’s easier to add that as the story progresses that way the character can really fit into the story.
I also definitely agree that the sheet is nice to look back on. Not going to lie I’ve done that a couple times for our story and even for my next post

Thanks for sharing!

 

[QuirkyQuill]

I love this question!

I have never reused a character because for me, my characters take on a life of their own that is very dependent on the storyline for which they are developed. I think what I have found is that if the plot is right for me, the character creates herself. I do like creating a brief character bio for the things that are very basic because it helps me remember those details so I don't accidentally switch, you know, eye color between characters in different threads. I don't typically write out all of my character's nuances in a bio, but will give an overview of her background and personality traits.

If my character is in a different time period or regional location, I do jump into light research mode to make sure that I am authentic in choosing names or establishing other details.

It's not uncommon for me to have this whole original character canon in my head, but I will be flexible with things as the story plays out, and so much of it might not ever make it out. It feels akin to when actors talk about how they create whole back stories for their roles if they don't already exist because it helps them step into character.

 

[Lockdown]

I love this question!

I have never reused a character because for me, my characters take on a life of their own that is very dependent on the storyline for which they are developed. I think what I have found is that if the plot is right for me, the character creates herself. I do like creating a brief character bio for the things that are very basic because it helps me remember those details so I don't accidentally switch, you know, eye color between characters in different threads. I don't typically write out all of my character's nuances in a bio, but will give an overview of her background and personality traits.

If my character is in a different time period or regional location, I do jump into light research mode to make sure that I am authentic in choosing names or establishing other details.

It's not uncommon for me to have this whole original character canon in my head, but I will be flexible with things as the story plays out, and so much of it might not ever make it out. It feels akin to when actors talk about how they create whole back stories for their roles if they don't already exist because it helps them step into character.

I tend to have a good recollection of my character’s habits, personality, and history. But it really helps to have a sheet to look back and see what you originally conceived when you’re stuck on a post. I’ve made it a habit to at least make a sheet with the founding blocks I made with him.

I’m glad there’s another writer who doesn’t reuse characters. Again I think it’s fine if you do (especially if the story was ghosted at the start) but it’s so much better to make someone that fits into the story you both have crafted. Also, as mentioned in my response to obieblu’s post I also look into the history of the time period since it’s fun to make an authentic character from back then.

Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you enjoyed the question! It’s so nice to see another writer that’s so excited about character creation.

 

[Silvered Sutures]

I have a list of sheets with 6 to 100 items on them, names, personality traits, physical features, etc. I then roll dice. If the result doesn't make sense in the story, I move to the next option up until it does. I wrote each list so I know no matter what I'll be happy with the result.

 

[Lockdown]

I have a list of sheets with 6 to 100 items on them, names, personality traits, physical features, etc. I then roll dice. If the result doesn't make sense in the story, I move to the next option up until it does. I wrote each list so I know no matter what I'll be happy with the result.

Can you give a brief example of what creating a character would look like?

 

[Dr Bellwright]

There are three ways I create my characters:

1. The "easiest" is combining two or three people I know (or characters) and seeing if that works. "Easy" is in quotes because it requires experience.
2. I use Sorkin's or Straczynski's method, I try to answer two questions for each character:
   1. Know what they want
   2. Know what stops them from getting it
3. I brainstorm and freestyle with partner(s).

I don't usually bother with character sheets outside of the system/table-top RPs. Though, I do have a long running RP, where I wished I kept track of characters. There were couple of mishaps.

 

[Lockdown]

There are three ways I create my characters:

1. The "easiest" is combining two or three people I know (or characters) and seeing if that works. "Easy" is in quotes because it requires experience.
2. I use Sorkin's or Straczynski's method, I try to answer two questions for each character:
   1. Know what they want
   2. Know what stops them from getting it
3. I brainstorm and freestyle with partner(s).

I don't usually bother with character sheets outside of the system/table-top RPs. Though, I do have a long running RP, where I wished I kept track of characters. There were couple of mishaps.

Oh wow. I’ve never heard of the second step before. I might adopt that for future character creations. It’s so simple yet so effective. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Silvered Sutures]

Can you give a brief example of what creating a character would look like?

Alright... first name... *rolls dice, checks sheet* ...Alice. Last name... *rolls dice, checks sheet* ...Lockwood. Alice Lockwood. I like it. Does it work with the setting my partner wants to do? ...no. It's a Sengoku Era Japan plot... *runs down my name list from Alice until I find a Japanese name.* ...Akane. *Same with Lockwood* ...Busujima. That works. Alright. We can skip hair color, that's definitely black... Alright. Eye color? *rolls* Blue makes no sense... *runs down list* pale brown? Yeah ok. Alright, personality, roll 5 positive traits, 5 negatives, 5 neutral... Greatest fear? Backstory? Does it all make sense with setting? With each other? Alright, awesome. Done.

 

[Lockdown]

Alright... first name... *rolls dice, checks sheet* ...Alice. Last name... *rolls dice, checks sheet* ...Lockwood. Alice Lockwood. I like it. Does it work with the setting my partner wants to do? ...no. It's a Sengoku Era Japan plot... *runs down my name list from Alice until I find a Japanese name.* ...Akane. *Same with Lockwood* ...Busujima. That works. Alright. We can skip hair color, that's definitely black... Alright. Eye color? *rolls* Blue makes no sense... *runs down list* pale brown? Yeah ok. Alright, personality, roll 5 positive traits, 5 negatives, 5 neutral... Greatest fear? Backstory? Does it all make sense with setting? With each other? Alright, awesome. Done.

Oh wow. I’ve never heard of someone doing character creation this way. I now understand it better, but I think I prefer the more free form way. This puts too much pressure in the hands of Lady Luck and I’d rather have a more hands on experience since you’re pretty much stuck playing this character until the roleplay ends. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Silvered Sutures]

Oh wow. I’ve never heard of someone doing character creation this way. I now understand it better, but I think I prefer the more free form way. This puts too much pressure in the hands of Lady Luck and I’d rather have a more hands on experience since you’re pretty much stuck playing this character until the roleplay ends. Thanks for sharing!

Well, to be fair, I DID make the list, so while it relies somewhat on lady luck, it DOES guarantee that no matter what I roll it'll be an option I'm okay with. For example, though it was in my list above, blue eyes aren't on my list. For some reason I can't imagine playing a cerulean-eyed character.