Resources: Build a Character

Building a complex, interesting character with RP potential can sometimes be a daunting task. Keep in mind that we like to see normal people reacting to extraordinary circumstances rather than extraordinary people trying to live as normal people. Along those lines, we've compiled a list of things to think about that may help you round out a vague character concept or kick start an established, but stagnating character.

Not every character needs to have an answer for every question. A good base to aim for as you start a character is to be able to answer all the 'basic' questions and a handful of the 'intermediate' ones. As you play, you'll find your character growing. Eventually you'll find that you can answer more and more as you gain a better grasp of your character and his or her motivations through RP.

Basics

• Where was your character born and where did they grow up?
• Who are the members of your character's family?
• How old is your character?
• Why is your character in New York?
• What does your character do now (job, school, etc)?
• What are the major events in your character's life?
• What is your character's general outlook on life (optimistic, pessimistic, realist, idealist, etc)?
• What is your character's basic personality?
• Who are your character's friends?
• What are your character's hobbies?
• Is your character a mutant? If so, what are his or her powers?

Intermediate

• How does your character feel about his or her hometown? Why?
• What sort of relationship does your character have with each member of his or her family? Why?
• How does your character feel about New York? Why?
• Does your character enjoy his or her job? Why or why not?
• What is your character's goal in life?
• How did your character's goals develop? Why does he or she want to be a teacher, an astronaut, or an actress?
• How did your character meet his or her friends?
• Is there anyone your character particularly dislikes or distrusts? Why?
• What types of movies does your character love? What does he or she like about them?
• What types of books does your character read? What does he or she like about them?
• What type of music does your character listen to? Why?
• How did your character develop an interest in his or her hobbies?
• What sorts of things does your character dislike? What does he or she find particularly annoying?
• Pick three or four major events in your character's life and describe how they affected him or her. Try things like the death of a pet, a graduation, the manifestation of mutant powers, the death of a grandparent, or a break-up with a boyfriend.
• If your character is a mutant, how did he or she discover this? How does he or she feel about it?
• If your character is a mutant, how has he or she developed, tested, or ignored the powers? What does he or she know about their extent or limitations?
• If your character is a mutant, what /are/ the extent of his or her powers? Even if your character is unaware of them as of yet, you the player should certainly know.
• What are your character's morals? How does he or she feel about stealing, lying, cheating, murder, etc? Why?
• How does your character feel about mutants? About humans? Why?
• What type of guy/girl is your character usually attracted to? What type does he or she avoid? Why?
• What are your character's politics? Why?

Advanced

• Who has been most influential in your character's life and the way he or she views the world? How has that person influenced your character?
• How does your character feel about mutants who are public about their powers? About mutants who are not?
• How connected does your character feel to the 'mutant cause' or the 'mutant community'?
• If your character were in physical danger, who would be the first person he or she would call? Why?
• If your character were in emotional pain, what would he or she do? Who might your character talk to? How might they react?
• What is the most important thing to your character?
• What or who would your character make serious sacrifices for, if anything or anyone?
• What does your character like about each of his or her friends? Dislike?
• Has your character ever been in love? With whom? How did the relationship progress? What did they love about the person?
• What was the worst moment of your character's life? Why?
• What was the best moment of your character's life? Why?
• What does your character like most about himself? What does your character dislike most about himself?