Making a Character for Every RPG

Today we have special columnist Kat Nava talking about all the steps she
uses to build characters in any RPG. Give her a follow at @TheEvilGirl333

Playing in an RPG is an exciting chance to be part of an adventure where
you can be the hero of the day! Maybe you’re new to RPGs in general, or
maybe a friend is really excited to run a sci-fi or western themed campaign
that is unfamiliar to you. It can be difficult to dream up a character in
these murky waters. This doesn’t need to interfere with an amazing
experience. Here’s a step by step on how to create a fun and engaging
character in any campaign.

Today we have special columnist Kat Nava talking about all the steps she uses to build characters in any RPG. Give her a follow at @TheEvilGirl333

Playing in an RPG is an exciting chance to be part of an adventure where you can be the hero of the day! Maybe you’re new to RPGs in general, or maybe a friend is really excited to run a sci-fi or western themed campaign that is unfamiliar to you. It can be difficult to dream up a character in these murky waters. This doesn’t need to interfere with an amazing experience. Here’s a step by step on how to create a fun and engaging character in any campaign.

Personality type - The basis of any character is their core personality. Before layering on any skils, stats, or plot details, what kind of person are they? These traits are broad but are the most applicable when asking “What would my character do?” At this stage, think of the character more like someone in a dramatic or comedic novel or show rather than a genre character.

Outgoing or shy?

Trusting or suspicious?

Greedy or generous?

Flirty or stoic?

Brave or cowardly?

Friendly or rude?

Short-tempered or patient?

Well-mannered or crude?

Law-abiding or roguish?

Background - Most RPGs will give you a helping hand in this area. Some even specifically include a background selection in character creation. This is the point where you should sit down and read the setting a few times to make sure you understand enough of the world to insert your character into it. Though some players dig deep with multiple page histories for their characters, you only need a few sentences to recap the missing episodes of their life. This is not meant to lock their future into place, but give a starting point for their state of mind. The character’s interactions with other party members and experiences through adventuring may cause major shifts in personality, but this will be more believable if they “stay true to character” until they are swayed by powerful events.

What location are they from? Rural or urban?

Battle-hardened or innocent to combat?

Familial responsibilities or loner?

Affluent or poor?

Well-traveled or insular?

Basic interests or hobbies that may or may not require support in the character build. A character can be an avid birdwatcher without needing numerous levels in their Nature skill. This is a chance to give your character an unexpected quirk such as a spindly technician that enjoys a futuristic version of soccer or a hulking soldier that secretly takes notes on horticulture. Your character wasn’t always an adventurer and should have some mundane interests.

Reading

Racing

Crafting

Tech

Sports

Nature

What went wrong? - Why aren’t you at home living a normal life? If everything was great, you wouldn’t have become an adventurer. This does not need to be the epic destruction of everything you loved by an evil Sith attack. It could also be that a bad breakup left you with a broken heart and a need to be away from your lost love. When the going gets tough, what is keeping you from just quitting and going home?

Find your look - It will help other players to think of your character rather than you if you have a decent description of what you look like. Skin tone and hair color can help, but more interesting descriptions can really give your character a little life. Keep in mind, your appearance and your true abilities may not align. This is how you visually present yourself to the world and first impressions matter.

Broad-shouldered or spindly?

Aristocratic or rough-hewn features?

Vacuous or shrewd?

Proud or hunched posture?

Noticeable scarred or unblemished?

Militant or disheveled haircut?

Well-groomed or grimy?

Find your voice - This doesn’t just mean affecting a Russian accent or a Southern drawl. This is the part where you consider what kind of speech pattern this character would have. Effective roleplay revolves around a good grasp of how you verbally present yourself. 

A young inexperienced character might be easily excitable and feel the need to crow over all of the wonders you experience in your travels.

A former aristocrat might have proper social etiquette but still grumble and complain over any little inconvenience.

Every party needs comic relief. Perhaps you are the comedian of the group. But no comic relief is effective without a straight man to stoically respond to all jokes.

Self-obsessed characters might only think of decisions in relation to their wealth, god, or personal safety. This can be overt or veiled.

Some are socially driven and feel the need to ingratiate themselves to everyone they meet. This could range from friendly to smarmy.

The classic hero is still needed and you may be constantly seeking the morally right decision in every situation. This could be seen as valiant or stifling.

Party participation - Why are you part of this group? Perhaps there was a posting for adventurers at the local tavern, but you should have ties to the other party members besides a mutual taste for gold. This is an excellent time to be somewhat superficial. Maybe you feel a camaraderie with the other warriors in the party or you cozy up to the techie because they seem more experienced than the others. Maybe the first mission itself is important to you and you respect the party members that are taking it seriously. You don’t need to be besties with everyone in the party, but deciding who you like based on first impressions will give you leads on who to trust when the way forward is unclear.

Determine at least one goal you share with the group or a group member

Choose at least one party member that you like for superficial reasons

The numbers - With this method of character creation, you can backfill the more crunchy aspects of your character, rather than trying to blindly choose a race and class. You should know your character by this point and the specifics of character creation should only be to support your well-rounded concept. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough points to make your street rat handsome AND a super talented burglar. Perhaps, he has been lucky enough to only pick easy targets so far or he’s only been good looking next to the other hideous options from his old neighborhood. The important part is that he THINKS he’s gorgeous and talented, even if that’s not empirically true. Your character sheet only needs to support the concept of your character. As you receive experience, they may grow to the next level of your intended concept or perhaps change in ways you never expected.

Creating a detailed character is the best way to ensure a fun experience overall. A fighter isn’t always in combat and a grifter doesn’t always have a mark, but a good character will always have a place to participate in any situation.