CHAOS_FANTAZY's Character Help Desk

[CHAOS_FANTAZY 42]

It has come to my attention that multiple members don't seem to quite know what they want in their fan characters—they just sort of make a character in Pony Creator or some such, then come over to this section of the board and ask for development.  I've always been one who develops characters in a backwards manner compared to everyone else (Working on their abilities first and their appearance last), so I figured I would come here and open a help desk.

 

In other words, anyone with a character they want to develop/are unsatisfied with can come here and talk to me about their character, and I will lend them my advice.

 

The Four Fundamental Questions

To me, at least, there are four questions I want answered whenever I meet a new character.

1. Who is this?  This is not only their name, but also their identity.  What makes this character stand out?  What makes them who they are?

2. What do they do?  This question is pretty straightforward.  What are your character's notable (Or not-so-notable) accomplishments?

3. Why do they do what they do?  Delve into your character's backstory.  Explain their motivations, especially their ideals, hopes, and dreams.

4. Why should I care about them?  This is not a question I can tell you the answer to, nor is it one you answer directly.  It is something that can only be told without words, through mastery of your character.  But the fact remains, if one cannot make others care about the character, they will receive little attention.

 

When approaching the desk, keep these questions in mind.  If you can't answer all of them, don't worry—that's why you're asking for help.  Overall, if you can answer all four questions satisfactorily, you probably have a well-thought-out character.

 

Things I Will Do

 

> Pose questions.  Lots of them.  Questioning is the best way to engage thought, after all.

 

> Note every little detail.  Having an airtight backstory for a Bio is important for the same reason as having an airtight alibi in a court case:  people will take advantage of any holes in the story.  If you leave any plotholes, I will expose them (Likely in the form of more questions).

 

> Worry about appearances second.  As aforementioned, my approach to character design focuses on the character's abilities first, as I find the character's outward appearance should reflect the inner contents.  In fact, I would consider the appearance of a character to be outside my area of expertise—not to say I can't help with it, but all I have are words.  I'm a terrible artist.

 

 

Things I Will NOT Do

 

> Write your character for you.  This is is primarily for the reason that I have a distinctive approach to character design, one that tends to result in the production of characters best defined as "badasses."  Rather than make a mark of my own style on your character, I would hope you can walk away from the desk with it still being all your own.

 

I can't think of anything else I can guarantee I won't do, but I might come up with something later.

 

 

With the pleasantries out of the way, feel free to bring your characters to me.