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Post by Mr Spock on Sept 27, 2006 22:07:47 GMT
Welcome to Unit 1. Although it's highly unlikely, if you don't know me yet, I'm Scarlet. This section was my idea, which is why I'm doing a lot of the work ;D. Still, no space to complain. First things first: Creating your RPG character.
Rules/Guidelines
1. Always, always, always write in Profile Format rather than in paragraph format. It makes it a lot easier to digest and it looks more professional. It is easier to get your ideas across in this sort of format.
2. UNDERSTAND YOUR CHARACTER. You need to know everything about them. Here are some good prompts: What is their favourite food? How many boy/girlfriends have they had? Why are they on the planet? Do they prefer shaken or stirred? Answer them.
3. Always write in full sentences. I mean, if you're trying to be good, don't just write in silly bullet points with no punctuation.
4. BE PRECISE. I have to stress this one. You need to build the image of your character as much as you can in the other person's mind. If I see anyone write "They have brown hair." as their only description of their character's locks, PIANOS WILL FALL. Is it curly? Straight? Sleek? Thick? Frizzy? Dark? Chestnut? Mousey? Long? Short? Etc...
5. Always make sure you point out strengths and weaknesses. This shows you have an in depth view of your character and you aren't God-Modding. Again, if I find anyone with their weakness set to "Nothing", Pianos will be gliding from the sky.
6. Have a set speech style/accent & dialect for your character. This can really expand RPGs and gets people a lot more comfortable with your character, if say they have a Cockney accent, or are constantly cracking witty jokes.
7. KNOW YOUR HISTORY. If, par say, your character comes from England, perhaps they were around at the same time as Tony Blair (Poor them). They should often use British slang terms and refer back to the past realistically. This is often the hardest rule to follow.
8. Does your character have any everyday quirks? Do they get a twitch in their eye when they're angry (SHUT UP LUNA)? Do they chew pens when they're bored? Do they obsessively count calories? This simple sort of thing really makes charaters more believable and memorable.
9. If you are playing a close friend of another character, KNOW THEIR HISTORY. If you suddenly mention something that happened in high school with you two, but the other person says they were in a different country until they were 21, you're in trouble.
10. Make sure your character has a hobby. It makes them more interesting and such, and can be helpful for a post when an RPG is dying or you cannot thing of a response.
Hell, its like filling in a CV, ain't it? Let's see some examples.
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Post by Luna Tsukino on Sept 27, 2006 22:19:14 GMT
Okay So I'm going to now post a bad example of a profile, about my own character Sofia... which most people know about.
Sofia Rosallina
looks 15 years old. long silver hair. blue eyes. pale skin. Born on the sun. then went to the moon. After the moon kingdom was destoryed she moved to earth where she lives eternally. Things she likes: -Cats -the warmth -her boyfriend/guardian
Things she dislikes -Cold weather -people getting on her nerves
Knows -Sephanie -Larry -Rayth
Related to -Lee (futute husband) -Ferite
Okay so missed out the Sailor moon related otpions but that doesn't matter. And Btw That was horrible to write and if i ever see one posted like that not only will Scarlet's pianos fall heads will be cut off!
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Post by Mr Spock on Sept 29, 2006 18:35:43 GMT
Let's see what's wrong with this, shall we? A little analytical content? I think so. Here.
Firstly, the Profile Format was not used. Profile Format IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING! REMEMBER IT.
Another major flaw is a complete lack of detail. There's lots of information missing, especially in description and likes and dislikes.
There are no strengths and weaknesses here, and that's disappointing (shame on you Luna!). It is very important that this is included, otherwise the profile is very vague.
There was a vague history, but not really enough to get an impression of. It wasn't written in full sentences and really barely gave you a taster.
There is no mention of quirks or hobbies, and this makes the character very bland and robotic. Very hard to follow. Not very interesting at all.
I think I've finished slagging this off now. A perfection, Maestro?
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Post by Taya on Sept 29, 2006 21:20:35 GMT
Thank you, Scarlet. I'm here to present how to correctly do a character creation. So I decided to pick one of my favorite characters that I play, Miss Jade Star-Anise.
Name: Jade Star-Anise
Height: 5'10" Wieght: 121 Age: 18 Job: actress/singer Description:
Jade's eyes are her most unique feature. They change color with her mood. When she was younger she had no control over the change, so it made her very easy to read. But with age and training she was able to keep her eyes a steel gray. The only time now that her eyes change color is when she does magic and then they change to purple. Her hair is a fire red and wavy down to the end of her shoulder blades which is a nice contrast to her tanned skin tone.
Mother: Kayla Star-Anise Legal Father : Evan Star-Anise Biological Father : Paris Corwyn Sister: Phoebe Corwyn
Background:
Jade is the oldest of two girls. The man she beleives is her father was killed in battle when she was ten. He was sent on a suicide mission by his commanding officer, Paris Corwyn. Shortly after the news of Evan's death, Kayla gave birth to Phoebe. During the first few weeks of Phoebe's life, the three females of the Star-Anise were very happy. But Jade went out to play on the ice. And since it was March, the ice was thin and cracked. Jade fell through the ice and her mother dove in after her. Kayla was able to pull Jade out, but was dragged under the ice and was never seen again. Jade has never gotten over her fear of water.
That same day, Paris Corwyn arrived to take Kayla and her daughter away with him. He believed that was phoebe and once he learned of Kayla's death, he wouldn't let anything keep him from the baby. Jade fought and pleaded, but it was no use. Even her best friend Logan tried to stop him, but he just had the boy arrested. That day Jade lost her whole family.
She was found by a priestess and woman who seemed to be as old as time itself and still beautiful, Geniveive. She began to call her Aunt Genny. With Aunt Genny's magic, they left for another deminsion where Genny could teach and help Jade heal. In order to do some of the training, Jade had to disguse herself as a boy, Jack Star. She even used a glamour to change the length and color of her hair to short and black.
Durning her training, she met her two best friends, Ian and James. Ian didn't know of Jack's secret but as Jade grew, James found out. And he became the her first boyfriend. But her true love is Ian.
Now she tries to protect the regular world and find her sister. But along the way she meets a young girl who is the daughter of a friend who turnned evil. She takes Ki in and their life is anything but easy.
Likes: Jade enjoys driving her motorcycle, partying with her daughter Ki and her sister Phoebe, fighting, and perorming on stage.
Dislikes: Jade hates, and I mean hates, Paris Corwyn. It consumes her life until she finally kills him. After his death she learns the truth about her father and goes crazy. She also begins to hate her friend Cassy during a custody battle over Ki. Jade also hates water and it ultimatly leds to her death.
There is a short character description Miss Jade.
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Post by Mr Spock on Sept 29, 2006 21:30:52 GMT
Now, why is this an excellent example of a Profile?
To begin with, its organised. It's written in fulls sentences and is very well laid out in profile format. It is completely jam packed with important details and is very very well written.
It explains everything about Jade's background, history and strengths. There's hardly anything you aren't informed on. Many of her quirks and itnerests are jotted down in this short and concise profile, and this makes it also an enjoyable read.
So there. Write like Taya.
Scarlet x
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