What is a storyline hook? A hook is the reason why player characters want to get involved in a storyline. Hooks come in many forms, some work better than others.
Choosing the right hook for the right character type is the first step in creating a storyline. Providing something that characters want to get involved in rather than just 'stuff to do' will make things funner for everyone involved.
Fortune: An almost universal hook. Rare is the character (or player) that doesn't want money. Even the most unselfish character usually wouldn't mind a little cash to donate to their favorite 'good cause'. This hook can and should be a part of most storylines, however, it should not normally be used by itself. Most characters want money, but won't nessecarily do anything it takes to get it. Money should be used as a secondary hook (Something used to 'sweeten the deal').
Righteousness: A hook which will interest many characters. Players are generally good people. It is only natural that their characters are generally good people as well, at least deep down. Acting as champions of the weak or oppressed will be all to tempting to most characters. Many characters will thrive on playing the hero or savior. This is an excellent primary hook which can be used in a broad range of plots.
Vengeance/Justice: While not as broad as Righteousness, this hook uses the same principles. Forcing 'bad guys' to pay for their misdeeds with generally interest many characters. This hook can be ultra effective if the misdeeds commited by the 'bad guys' were against the player characters themselves. In many cases this hook might be considered a secondary hook to Righteousness, however, the fact that justice and vengeance can come in very 'unrighteous' forms seperates it from the broader catagory. In many cases this hook will be more effective than Righteousness for the less 'goody goody' characters that players come up with.
Self Preservation: This hook is very effective on almost any character, however, it can easily be misused. The key to this hook is the plot that it is used in. Very few characters want to die or suffer other hardships. This hook will motivate almost any character if used properly. The trick is providing a plot which will not force characters into a specific action (See the Plot Creation section for guidance in this.)
Challenge: While many characters prefer to follow the 'path of least resistance', there are those that want to do what most believe can't be done. Completing very difficult perhaps seemingly 'impossible' tasks can be a powerful motivation for characters, especially if they have succeeded at such tasks in the past. Characters often think of themselves as the best, chances to prove it can be very appealing. A plot using this hook should live up to the hype. Very few things are as disappointing as thinking something is going to be difficult then completing the task with little effort.
These are the hooks which I primarily use. Many others exist. Suggested additions to this list are welcome.
�2001 Joe Pombo