07-13-2018, 10:38 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-16-2018, 08:39 PM by MIAMIHORROR.)
TRAITS What kind of characteristics define how this character behaves, both internally and externally? Try not to think in terms of positive or negative and instead consider how each trait interacts with and impacts others to create a whole personality.
Just some notes for now until I type out something proper. Hothead attack dog. Incredibly cynical. Not evil or anything, just kind of a dick. Not loyal to places, loyal to people - and fiercely loyal, at that. No self-discipline. Erratic, impulsive, and explosive. Aggressive and easily-provoked. Low empathy but feels his own emotions very intensely. Tends to flip-flop between being totally willing and ready to die and being convinced he can’t be killed. Frequent episodes of mania. Poor judgement skills. He’s an extrovert but doesn’t exactly make friends easily just because of his not-so-friendly nature. Opens up a lot to close friends and loved ones; has a relatively good sense of humor and loves very deeply. Actually recognizes a lot of his flaws, but doesn’t show it.
MOTIVE What is the character's overarching goal? Why do they do what they do? What is the driving force behind their actions?
RELATIONSHIPS How to they act towards those from enemy clans? People they don't like? Acquaintances? Friends? Best friends? Family members? Lovers? These should all be different. What are the limitations for their loyalty for all of the above as well (i.e. how far they could go for them)? At the same time, what does it take for the character to consider someone a friend, best friend, family member, etc? How easily do they develop relationships, and which ones do they value the most?
MORALS What is their moral code and how does it impact their worldview? What things do they consider the worst offenses possible — what sort of things would they never even consider doing to reach their goals? What things do they think they would never do, but just might with the right push? Would they ever break their moral code? What things would lead them to this?
WEAKNESSES In the emotional sense, of course. What is their greatest fear? How does this impact them? What sort of things make them vulnerable emotionally? What do they do in that sort of situation: who do they lean on, how does it affect them, how do they move past it, and etc. Roleplaying this out can be incredibly revealing for a character's personality.
SELF-VIEW How do they view themself? What do they view as their best and worst traits, their strengths and weaknesses, their relationships with others, and how does this depart from actuality? Where do they place themself in their relationship hierarchy? Are they top priority or do they care more for certain others (in more extreme situations, everyone)? Who/what do they consider below/above them? How do they compare themself to others? Exercise: write a traditional biography from the character's point of view. How do they describe their appearance and personality? What things do they leave out, downplay, exaggerate, or even make up?
WORLDVIEW This is their perception of everything — the lens the character always peers through. A character’s world view is how the character believes the world works, his or her perceived role in the world, the character’s philosophy of life and love and a definition of what constitutes a personal goal worth pursuing. One might see the world as a ladder to climb where another may see it as a canvas to leave their mark or a playground full of opportunities. What do they consider their role and how do they believe the world words? Religion plays a big role in this. What do they think of (the meaning of) life, death, afterlife, a greater purpose, and etc?
Just some notes for now until I type out something proper. Hothead attack dog. Incredibly cynical. Not evil or anything, just kind of a dick. Not loyal to places, loyal to people - and fiercely loyal, at that. No self-discipline. Erratic, impulsive, and explosive. Aggressive and easily-provoked. Low empathy but feels his own emotions very intensely. Tends to flip-flop between being totally willing and ready to die and being convinced he can’t be killed. Frequent episodes of mania. Poor judgement skills. He’s an extrovert but doesn’t exactly make friends easily just because of his not-so-friendly nature. Opens up a lot to close friends and loved ones; has a relatively good sense of humor and loves very deeply. Actually recognizes a lot of his flaws, but doesn’t show it.
MOTIVE What is the character's overarching goal? Why do they do what they do? What is the driving force behind their actions?
RELATIONSHIPS How to they act towards those from enemy clans? People they don't like? Acquaintances? Friends? Best friends? Family members? Lovers? These should all be different. What are the limitations for their loyalty for all of the above as well (i.e. how far they could go for them)? At the same time, what does it take for the character to consider someone a friend, best friend, family member, etc? How easily do they develop relationships, and which ones do they value the most?
MORALS What is their moral code and how does it impact their worldview? What things do they consider the worst offenses possible — what sort of things would they never even consider doing to reach their goals? What things do they think they would never do, but just might with the right push? Would they ever break their moral code? What things would lead them to this?
WEAKNESSES In the emotional sense, of course. What is their greatest fear? How does this impact them? What sort of things make them vulnerable emotionally? What do they do in that sort of situation: who do they lean on, how does it affect them, how do they move past it, and etc. Roleplaying this out can be incredibly revealing for a character's personality.
SELF-VIEW How do they view themself? What do they view as their best and worst traits, their strengths and weaknesses, their relationships with others, and how does this depart from actuality? Where do they place themself in their relationship hierarchy? Are they top priority or do they care more for certain others (in more extreme situations, everyone)? Who/what do they consider below/above them? How do they compare themself to others? Exercise: write a traditional biography from the character's point of view. How do they describe their appearance and personality? What things do they leave out, downplay, exaggerate, or even make up?
WORLDVIEW This is their perception of everything — the lens the character always peers through. A character’s world view is how the character believes the world works, his or her perceived role in the world, the character’s philosophy of life and love and a definition of what constitutes a personal goal worth pursuing. One might see the world as a ladder to climb where another may see it as a canvas to leave their mark or a playground full of opportunities. What do they consider their role and how do they believe the world words? Religion plays a big role in this. What do they think of (the meaning of) life, death, afterlife, a greater purpose, and etc?
TIME TO MEET THE DEVIL