A friend of mine once remarked that creating your RPG character was the best part of the game. "Forget role playing," he'd say, "this is where I really get a chance to be creative." Granted, he'd usually change his tune once he got into the game, but he did have a point. When you enter a role playing game, be it online or the traditional pen & paper variety, making your character is one of the most important aspects. After all, this is the person that you're going to be, right?
That in mind, it's important to create a character that you not only like, but that you can also identify with. Sometimes, there's a tendency for players to "quick roll" or invent their alter egos in a matter of seconds, drawing on whatever idea may appeal to them at the moment. But, what happens when the moment ends, when you suddenly realize that your "inspiration" really wasn't all that great? I guess that character's going into cold storage.
That's why, it's important to put a little meaning into your character. To make him or her more than a card board voice box. A character needs depth and distinction, even if they're just a minor element of the story. If nothing else, encouraging this approach adds a more professional look to your RPG. To help you in this endeavor, here's a little breakdown of how you can approach the whole process.
Getting Started
First of all, your character needs some basic direction to get an idea of what he/she is like. Usually, our interests, personality traits, careers, and so forth are what shape us. Establishing any one of those points can be a good stepping stone for further growth. The following are a handful of character archetypes, or classes, that commonly show up on an RPG's doorstep.
The Soldier � This is the fundamental combatant, and a character of choice for many conflict-based RPGs. The typical soldier can be developed in a variety of ways, from the small-town glory hound/star who's gone to war, to the rigid martinet. One thing to avoid, however, is the so-called "perfect" soldier, the unemotional killing machine that's been deified in anime like Gundam Wing and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Remember that these people are individuals, who have their own interests and such. The military is just part of their way of life.
The Unlikely Hero � This is the kind of person who's usually seen in stories of an epic scale. He/she is the average individual who has been placed in the center of a conflict situation. This kind of scenario could force them to adapt, mature, and transform into something greater.
The Loner- A rough approach, as a lot of people tend to favor the friendless, brooding type. He/She is usually depicted as a secretive, sophisticated person who's hiding their true behind a quiet demeanor. Unfortunately, this is a rather overused persona, and I recommend avoiding it. After all, if everyone were a social recluse, why would they want to interact and role play?
The Kid � A young, impulsive, know-it-all character who may or may not be the center of attention. This is the classic basis for many heroic personas, and also a good role for a humorous character. This individual might be a "hero-in-training," a budding prodigy, or just an irritating mascot who's along for the ride.
The Technophile- Someone with an interest in the prevailing technology of the setting. In a sci-fi RPG, this might be some variety of high-tech weaponry or mecha. In a medieval, or fantastic era, they may be scholars or inventors, struggling to grasp the learned arts of their world. These are kind of people who make up a vital part of a character team, making sure that everyone is up to date on the latest knowledge.
The Rogue � Not necessarily a bad guy, these characters might be reformed thieves, opportunists, tricksters, disguise artists, or any of the like. A wandering rogue may offer important contacts, intellectual savvy, charisma knowledge of the underworld, and/or a variety of espionage skills that keep him/her a step ahead of the lumbering soldier.
Anatomy of a Villain
So, you want to be a bad guy. Or, maybe you just need the odd colorful antagonist to keep the RPGs heroes in line. Either way, it's always important to make any addition to your RPG cast, especially an arch-nemesis, both dramatic and memorable. Sometimes, taking this route can be fun when constructing a persona, though it needs the right treatment to work well.
First of all, try to remember that a villain rarely sees himself/herself as a bad guy. They usually take the argument of idealism, claiming that their point of view is the right way, and all those in opposition are wrong or flawed. Few sane villains will go out and kill people at random because it's in their character. They may, however, have a lower value of life and freedom than the average person. They may not take a day to burn down a helpless village, but they may not flinch if they're responsible for such destruction.
Second, a villain's life is about more than just hurting the obvious good guys. In most cases, the heroes are just an unpleasant interruption for him/her, one of several roadblocks that impedes their larger goal. They may gain some sort of vendetta against particular people, just to give some payback, but they aren't likely to spend their time looking for people to attack.
Finally, a villain needs a sense of bearing, an atmosphere, to surround him or her. After all, he/she isn't a typical individual, nor should he/she be treated like the RPGs comic relief. They may have some sort of sinister element, be it in their behavior, dress, or the company they keep. Adding a character quirk can always help. A faint sense of honor, a conditional mercy, or perhaps a traumatic background (why is he/she evil, after all) are just some idea hooks to try.
Fleshing out the Character
When you've muddled out a few good ideas, you should move on to adding definition to them. The following is a basic guide used to formulate profiles to present in journalistic form. Answering some of these questions within the context of your character can help give you a better idea of who he/she is, and what why they are an individual. The end result will make for a clear profile, and distinct role playing.
Past � How is your character's past shaped by events, by others, and by themselves?
Values � What does your character believe strongly in?
How do these beliefs shape his/her actions?
Where do these beliefs come from?
Qualities � What "typical" elements does your character have?
How are they different from the norm?
What characteristics or experiences have they had?
Impact � How does your character effect those around him/her?
How are they effected by those around them?
How does your character respond to different circumstances?
Future � What does your character think his/her future holds?
Naturally, the most important aspect of your character is the story that is behind them, as a lot of the above points deal with. Remember that this is a person that you're making, not just a walking means of hacking and slashing imaginary enemies. Try to shy away from clich�s when forming answers, and go for something that seems original. Imitating your favorite television, movie, or anime hero/villain might sound fun, but do you want to be totally defined by someone else's ideas? That can get dull, unless you actually enjoy it.
When it's all said and done�
Whew! Have I still got your attention? I hope so.
Well, by now, you should have a few ideas as to who and what your character's going to be. Will you follow one of the traditional archetypes? Or will you try something new? Innovation is always a good thing, and encouraged in 99% of RPGs. Just remember to create a character that you will like to role play. Even the most elaborate and sophisticated persona is hopeless if you don't want to see him/her grow. Try adding an element of yourself, like an interest or perspective, to encourage yourself. In the end, it's all about having fun, so make sure that you'll enjoy yourself and help others enjoy role playing with you.
