Great, you decided on the character you want! Now, how do you make your adventurer interesting? Just saying your race and class is a great place to start, but if that is all you have, then that’s where my interest ends. Time to make your character a living, breathing, emotional, figment of your imagination. Here are some things to think about to add some life to your fantasy role-playing adventurer.
First, whats your backstory? What does your character want? What drives them to do whatever it is they do? Is your drow archer on a quest for vengeance to find the assassin that killed his wife? Is your half-ling rogue searching for a lost artifact of immeasurable power to help his clan fight against an evil lich? Maybe, your tiefling warlock just wants to make friends and be understood. The more backstory you give the easier it is to play your character. Kind of like making a mission statement for your character. It helps you make decision going forward, and makes it more fun to play.
Now that you have a backstory lets give your character… some character. Think of our new adventurer with this super interesting backstory standing in front of you normally. Now we are going to alter some characteristics to not make them boring.
Let’s start with VOICE. Is it high or low, do they have an accent? I know some people don’t like to do accents but even something small, such as a stutter or pitch change, can really add to your character, and help you immerse yourself in the world.
Next, think about EMOTION. Are they pessimistic like Eeyore, overly confident like Zapp Brannigan, stoic like Aragorn, or completely analytical and logical like Spock. Now lets change their cadence or the speed they talk. Maybe they talk fast, and end sentences slow. Maybe they enunciate every letter in every word. Don’t be afraid to have fun with it.
Lastly, give them a QUIRK. You say you’re playing an elderly wizard. *POOF* They walk hunched and with a cane. Oh, you changed your mind and now you’re playing an archer. *POOF* You are the constantly squinting archer; always ready to put an arrow through your foe. Give your hero a catch phrase or phobia.
Remember have FUN!!! If you have a wacky or awkward idea let me know. We can make it work I promise! Story trumps rule.
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