Hi Folks!

 

Once again it’s time for the Writing Tip of the Month! This month, we’ll take a look at using NPCs in your posts.

 

I don’t have to tell you that the Washington sees several NPC (non-playing characters) from time to time during missions. NPCs generally run the gamut of types and races, occupation and world-views, and include some notable characters such as Vincetti Robosi, BOB, Gul Cuxana, Rhollandra (I am sure some of you remember her fondly), etc. In fact, the only thing these characters have in common is that they aren’t ‘owned’ by anyone.

 

Sometimes players are reluctant to use NPCs extensively because they fear that whoever ‘introduced’ the NPC will become agitated that their ‘pseudo character’ was changed. Generally, however, NPCs are in the plotline merely as a vehicle to adding information into the story or to help develop their own characters. Essentially, NPCs are the ‘property’ of all. Let me give you an example:

 

Let’s take at Petty Officer Shiela Pendragon. I (or Sun Feather) invented her (I can’t remember which), but each of us, as well as Doctor Gage from time to time use her to help develop Rook’s character. Neither of us have all rights to her as an NPC, and she can be used by whomever is inclined for any number of instances.

 

When using an NPC, however, there are some things to be aware of:

 

• NPCs, while not anyone’s ‘property’ should be consistent. Bringing NPCs into a story line is usually done for a specific purpose, which should not deviate in any significant way unless there is a good reason. Gul Cuxana is a good example. The Cardassian captain of the Ancyra was invented as an unknown factor in our mission. The possibilities with him as an NPC have only been loosely established, but once they solidify, should probably not deviate too much. Having an NPC deviate wildly can lead to a never ending plotline that takes so many twists and turns that it becomes nearly impossible to end it.

 

• Get into the NPC: Since you already do it with your own character, getting in to the head of an NPC shouldn’t be too difficult. What are their motivations, desires and goals? Is the action you are describing consistent with what’s already been established for the character or is there a good reason for it not being consistent? Example: Vincetti Robosi is suddenly discovered to be working for the Cardassians. This isn’t really in line with what we know about Vincetti – he’s self centered, greedy, extremely intelligent, a megalomaniac, etc. However, if it can be shown that Vincetti is only working for the Cardassians as a means to an end that IS in line with what we know about his character, then it’s ok.

 

• NPCs, while not the ‘property’ of anyone, are used by certain characters more than others. A perfect example of this kind of NPC is BOB. Bob was originally introduced by Commander Logan as the errant AI from Dicont PiColor. While everyone can use BOB, there are certain little quirks that Commander Logan would like to preserve about BOB – namely, his need to speak in an ominous voice that is represented by ALL CAPS. (Right: “HELLO, HANK, WOULD YOU LIKE SOME FUDGE?”; Wrong: “Hank, getting your finger caught in the replicator is not behavior fitting a Commander on a Starship.”)

 

• Don’t use an NPC if the same thing can be accomplished by a PC. This is an important tip because it gives other crew members openings into the current storyline, and a chance to further develop their character. As an example, I shouldn’t have Shiela Pendragon manning the tactical station because Meriod and Mitchell are on ‘break’ or something. Writing Meriod or Mitchell in as working at tactical will give them an opening to further the storyline. In essence, it takes away writing opportunity from others. Writing Gul Cuxana into the storyline was necessary, as no crew member could do it.

 

I hope this writing tip has helped you understand a few things about NPCs. Obviously, I could have gone on for quite some time with more details, but this information should suffice for now. Perhaps next month we’ll continue along the same vein.

 

Thanks for tuning in,

Russ

 

Aka Captain James “Rook” Mirtoh

Executive Officer

USS Washington NCC-11988