Character Theory Development

[BDark]

First things first: I'm not quite sure if that's the right prefix, but I really hope it is.

Now, let's get straight into this:

I never really did any CD, mainly because all my roleplays died too soon, and the ones that didn't... Those were at least two years ago, when I roleplay on Google+ (bad idea) and had bad grammar and always came up with plot devices, and my characters and roleplays were composed of two other primary components: cliche and May Sue. Now is a much better time for me.

Anyways, I'll ask this: How do I develop a character during a roleplay? How do I make a heartless mercenary into a passionate, protective companion, for example?

 

[rae2nerdy]

The best way is sort of reverse engineer the change. A character will vary rarely change their base personality without extreme circumstance. And it's harder to make someone more emotional rather than less.

So if they are for instance naturally shy it is far harder to make them outgoing than it is to make an outgoing person shyer.

So for your example I would assume that the characters base state is passionate and protective and their "heartlessness" is either a learned trait due to their work OR a response possibly to the trials of their work.

And the journey is basically unlearning whatever is causing their distance from people

 

[BDark]

That's... Surprisingly logical and makes sense! For three seconds I was sceptical then my brain started creating its own answers to my questions.
That... does seem to happen quite often.

Thanks a lot, mate!

 

[Bacon is fluffy]

Character development is difficult for two reasons. One is you need to contend with external factors in roleplays, like it falling apart. That in itself can make it seem impossible no matter how motivated you are. The second is internal, you as the writer have to be capable of making it happen.

A personal example from my own experiences is being patient enough to start one way and not accelerate the process through crappy rp events. Other times patience isn't the problem,but conveying the change is the hard part. That's just a matter of me lacking the writing skill and experience in rps to make it happen.

So if you want character development to occur? You need an iron will and determination. Coupled with knowledge that you will need time, patience, and adaptability to make it happen in an rp setting, where your character's fate is based on other people's decisions. The ability to make any situation a plus for shedding more light about your character, is how you develop them. For instance, what would your character do if a kraken attacked you on a pirate ship? What would he do if he was assigned to swabbing the poop deck? What would he do if he was being blackmailed into doing something that would destroy his reputation? What would he do if he was bored and had no sense of direction?

Every single scenario listed, from the ordinary to extraordinary, is an opportunity to develop your character.

 

[BDark]

So it's through the small, everyday things that I develop my character (as well as the more impactful events of course)... I see. Thanksm, mate.

 

[Bacon is fluffy]

It's easier said than done,but it's one way you can do it.

 

[BDark]

Logical enough.

 

[protectorofthebooty]

What I like to do for my characters, both for roleplays and other stories, is to make a character sketch. I have a few different templates that I use depending on how much time I want to spend developing all aspects of a character. Of course this can be time consuming as it makes you ask questions you may haven't even considered before. Fortunately, I believe I found a much shorter template that still asks questions that are core to your character.

First, what is their core need? What is the one thing they need above all else? I like to add in how this need affects their everyday lives, their interactions with others and their motivations.

Next, what is their deepest fear? Everyone has a fear that strikes them at their core when they're forced to confront it. Will they confront it? How does it affect their daily lives? How would it change them if it were to become a reality?

These next two tie in with your character's deepest fear. What is their most painful past experience? Their most painful past loss?

Now my personal favorites. What is a lie they believe about themselves? I like to ask myself how firm their belief is in this lie. How would they react if someone were to tell them that this is a lie? And finally, what is a lie they believe about the world? How do you believe this affects your character's view of the world?

I feel that by answering these questions I know my characters better. Knowing these things gives me a better idea of how someone would react to different situations and how they may live their lives. Of course there are many more templates that ask more specific questions that may help you develop your characters in the story a little easier. If you like I can send you a copy of the template I use most often. It's kinda lengthy, but I feel it covers the bases pretty well.

 

[BDark]

Sure thing!

So it's like having an archive for the character. That's actually pretty logical.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Like how a regular human develops. Interaction and experiences. Turning your heartless, cruel, mercenary --> cute, lovable, puppy is probably impossible to do realistically. But if you can create a situation that causes character bonding with another player's character, then development will occur naturally. Development is a slow process. You can't make an evil character good overnight without breaking character. What you can do is force them into a position where they must do a good deed (external force is sometimes required). If they accumulate enough good deeds they will become a good person (though the character in question may vehemently deny that fact until the day they die).

 

[BDark]

*insert joke about your usage of the term "puppy" here, most likely something about a wizard literally turning him into one or something stupid like that*

So I've just gotta throw shit at him until he's in his right place, correct?
that sounded better in my head

 

[QuirkyAngel]

*insert joke about your usage of the term "puppy" here, most likely something about a wizard literally turning him into one or something stupid like that*

So I've just gotta throw shit at him until he's in his right place, correct?
that sounded better in my head

Pretty much^^But as stated earlier it takes strength of will. You (the player) have to want your character to change. Evil isn't going to become good on its own.

 

[BDark]

Correct that, good friend!