Character Theory Jerk Characters

[BackSet]

I have a huge problem with Jerk characters because I do very team based roleplays and more often than not the jerk character will go beyond the normal "this character's a jerk so there's conflict in the team but also character development will happen" straight into "my god this guy's an asshole and he's never getting better and really disrupting everything." Not only that but Jerk characters in stuff like tv shows and books are the kind of characters I always shake my fist at in anger every rime they're onscreen so... yeah.

 

[Malozing]

My newest character is a jerk. He is very much a feral cat who is used to working alone, but he is taking to some of the party and the main NPC. I am actively working with the other players and storyteller out of character to ensure that my character can have situations to develop as a character within the group.

That being said, I don't like jerk characters in media. The only way they can work is through careful planning and through character development.

 

[lyx]

For RP at least, imo jerk characters require a lot of ooc communication. If I'm playing an all around mean person, it's best for me to get a feel for what my partners can deal with! Also, leaving the door open for them to say "hey, let's dial back this I'm uncomfortable/hate it" is the best way for any roleplay I suppose. I always worry they think I'm actually mean so I tend to overcompensate lol

 

[Malozing]

For RP at least, imo jerk characters require a lot of ooc communication. If I'm playing an all around mean person, it's best for me to get a feel for what my partners can deal with! Also, leaving the door open for them to say "hey, let's dial back this I'm uncomfortable/hate it" is the best way for any roleplay I suppose. I always worry they think I'm actually mean so I tend to overcompensate lol

Yeah. Communication is always key to making sure the jerk character isn't sapping the fun out of a game or RP.

If anyone is dealing with a jerk character run by a person who isn't open about how to developing said character, it might just be best to drop them from your RP/game.

 

[Daisie]

Honestly, I'm a sucker for a well written jerk character. It's fun to experiment with them and see how they grow throughout the course of the RP. Plus it's the jerks who have the quickest wit, and at times they can be great to piss off for the sake of comic relief. Just a lot of potential.

 

[Nue]

I think the thing that goes wrong with a lot of 'jerk' characters is that people keep forgetting that people are generally asses for a reason (even if it's not a good one). Like, there's an internal logic to their bullshit, it isn't just like they wake up and decide to spread misery and mess things up. There's always going to be moments where they're chill, or at least a little bit less abrasive, and they won't just be rude or destructive for the sake of it.

Cause that's when it gets annoying, when a character exists purely to irritate all other characters.