Character Theory What inspires you to create a certain type of character?

[Unrlstic]

Obviously we're all constantly creating new characters for different roleplays.
I know for me, music usually helps me figure out what type of character I want to create for the roleplay.
Based on the theme and such, If I'm listening to some type of music to get me going, the character's persona will usually fit with the song I'm listening to, if that makes sense????

When I'm signing up for or creating horror themed roleplays, I lean more towards creating characters that are socially awkward but intelligent, or leader-like but aggressive people.
When it comes to dramatic roleplays, like high school themed without a plot or something that focuses on teenage/young adult drama, I like to create characters that have the class clown persona, or the cutie pie one, and sometimes the mean bitch one. For fantasy roleplays including heavy supernatural aspects, it usually ranges. Sometimes even the face claim speaks to me. At times I'll look for a faceclaim before I even have an idea of what my character is gonna be like, and when I find the perfect faceclaim, I create my character based on the type of vibes I get from my faceclaim, y know?

I was thinking about it earlier today, and I was wondering if other people were like that too. Like, do you guys usually get inspired on your face claims? Or music? Or have certain characters for certain types of genres of roleplays?

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[Heavenchi]

Me personally, it's the face-claims. For example, when I look at my current pfp, I see a slightly out going person, but with that glow- there's something special about her. It's all about the picture I see that sets the mood. I prefer to lean toward friendly looking FC's, more sociable appearing ones. But I do use music to make my other OC's, the ones that appearances are described rather than shown. The music puts me in a certain mood and I just write. I like to have a different character for different RP's mainly because I like to create so much, speaking of- when it comes to RP, don't you agree the best part of it is fleshing out your character?

 

[Unrlstic]

Me personally, it's the face-claims. For example, when I look at my current pfp, I see a slightly out going person, but with that glow- there's something special about her. It's all about the picture I see that sets the mood. I prefer to lean toward friendly looking FC's, more sociable appearing ones. But I do use music to make my other OC's, the ones that appearances are described rather than shown. The music puts me in a certain mood and I just write. I like to have a different character for different RP's mainly because I like to create so much, speaking of- when it comes to RP, don't you agree the best part of it is fleshing out your character?

Yesss, omg. I see that too. I don't use unrealistic faceclaims, but I could definitely see that from your profile picture. I'm assuming you use unrealistic (meaning like anime, and drawings, etc) as characters sometimes, I wanna know, do you draw your own characters? Do you have a favorite artist you usually go for? Or anime show? I feel like the unrealistic faceclaim and looking for them is very vast and really cool to search for because no two drawings are exactly alike. It's really fascinating to me, honestly.

And to answer your question, YESSSSSS. Your character is what sets the vibe for your roleplay. I feel like if you don't choose a good enough faceclaim (does that even make sense????) then your entire vibe for the roleplay is ruined and your attention span for the roleplay won't last. Searching for the fc is like pre-gaming and the character sheet is the party.

 

[rae2nerdy]

Mostly I pick a random person in IRL and plop a version of them in the roleplay

 

[Onmyoji]

I have certain types of characters that I generally enjoy playing. So unless a rp requires me to play a specific type of character, it is very likely I would create a character based on one of those types.

#1. Kuudere
This is the type I enjoy playing the most. Characters that are always calm and reserved, showing little emotion on the outside which doesn't mean the have none inside. XD it is very likely that my OC will have those personality traits even if it's not very pronounced, it will be there. I find this type fun to play because it is very relatable and challenging at the same time. Often my own reaction to events would be different from a character of this type. So that's like the reason why I rp. Challenging myself.

#2. Overly emotional
That's the opposite of the first type. I enjoy playing it slightly less but I still do and my OC often fall into this type. They will laugh, cry, get angry all in the blink of an eye. They will react to any situation in the most emotional way.
It's fun to write and you can go overboard with reactions. Yes I like exaggerating. With such characters I often exaggerate some personality trait to the maximum. Yandere for example xD



Well that doesn't mean I don't play other types of characters. I just listed the two that I often use to rp. And I enjoy playing the most.


Music, pictures etc may inspire me to create a character but that's extremely rare.

When I create a character for the rp I always plan ahead assuming rp will not end in one day. - Do I really want to play this character for a long time? Will I not get tired of it easily? Will I be able to stay in character?
And this is why I often default to one of the two types I listed. Because I know for sure I will not get tired playing them in the long run.

 

[Idea]

My initial character idea is often part of why I join any kind of roleplay. It's usually based on a song I really like, or some character type I want to explore or maybe I want a certain character dynamic. One of the most common starting ideas is me wanting to try making a character with a certain ability.

After that, I check the other characters in the roleplay. I like to try finding my niche or making something that works well with what the others have. If someone is afraid of oranges I might have it be my characters favorite food. If everyone is super gloomy I might make my character extra pumped up and cheerful. Secretive people will get me to make an extra curious and likely naive character.

After this, I find a pic and usually my character will inherit some traits that reflect that pic.

I put the pieces together like a puzzle, then I go to the worldbuilding, lore and so to find what could be interesting ideas for beliefs, behaviors and backstory in the character. Lastly I just need to weave it all together. While I said all of this, the biggest part of making my characters isn't really coming up with the individual parts, its the part where I make all of it into one cohesive unit. The personality must be connected and consistent, and the backstory must work as it's own narrative that justifies the rest of the character's traits.

That is, generally, my method. Of course, depending on the situation and partners it can change quite a bit, but having to put into words how I go about it, I'd say that's the most generally accurate way to put it.

 

[Heavenchi]

Yesss, omg. I see that too. I don't use unrealistic faceclaims, but I could definitely see that from your profile picture. I'm assuming you use unrealistic (meaning like anime, and drawings, etc) as characters sometimes, I wanna know, do you draw your own characters? Do you have a favorite artist you usually go for? Or anime show? I feel like the unrealistic faceclaim and looking for them is very vast and really cool to search for because no two drawings are exactly alike. It's really fascinating to me, honestly.

And to answer your question, YESSSSSS. Your character is what sets the vibe for your roleplay. I feel like if you don't choose a good enough faceclaim (does that even make sense????) then your entire vibe for the roleplay is ruined and your attention span for the roleplay won't last. Searching for the fc is like pre-gaming and the character sheet is the party.

I totally agree. I just recently joined this site and I made the most wonderful mistake of posting my draft form. It saved me a lot of trouble because the RP died in two days time. The pre-game is extremely important, so yes, that makes utter sense. And concerning your question, I can do both. I actually originate with realistic but I haven't had the luck of finding Realistic FC RPs at this site so I adapted. ( So I'm new to unrealistic FC's ) But no I don't, I do have preferred artist though. Periwinki being a main one due to the fact she draws a lot of fantasy. I personally prefer to do realistic FC's though, now towards that,

are you a realistic FC RPer? If so, doesn't the FC set the mood? When I look at Beyonce, who I surprisingly use ( Can't go wrong with Queen B ) often - I look at her and see a teacher for the elite, or maybe someone with alot of knowledge, a protect of sometime with a sharp tongue and unwavering ideals who can smile at you just as easily as she can throw you in a pit of snakes if your harming those who care for her. Same thing I do with unrealistic, always did it with realistic. What about you? I'm not sure if this is the right term but, do you have muses? FC's you always use?

 

[Heavenchi]

My initial character idea is often part of why I join any kind of roleplay. It's usually based on a song I really like, or some character type I want to explore or maybe I want a certain character dynamic. One of the most common starting ideas is me wanting to try making a character with a certain ability.

After that, I check the other characters in the roleplay. I like to try finding my niche or making something that works well with what the others have. If someone is afraid of oranges I might have it be my characters favorite food. If everyone is super gloomy I might make my character extra pumped up and cheerful. Secretive people will get me to make an extra curious and likely naive character.

After this, I find a pic and usually my character will inherit some traits that reflect that pic.

I put the pieces together like a puzzle, then I go to the worldbuilding, lore and so to find what could be interesting ideas for beliefs, behaviors and backstory in the character. Lastly I just need to weave it all together. While I said all of this, the biggest part of making my characters isn't really coming up with the individual parts, its the part where I make all of it into one cohesive unit. The personality must be connected and consistent, and the backstory must work as it's own narrative that justifies the rest of the character's traits.

That is, generally, my method. Of course, depending on the situation and partners it can change quite a bit, but having to put into words how I go about it, I'd say that's the most generally accurate way to put it.

So when you make your character you usually make them so they correlate to the plot and other's characters? I love that, I sense you're the type that drives the plot along? I love the process you take, it's very puzzle piece like and it sounds so fun to do. Favorite genre to make a character for? Personally, for me it's fantasy hands down due to the fact you can go crazy with your ideas and make the back story a thousand times more intricate, your only boundary, not being a mary-sue.

 

[Heavenchi]

I have certain types of characters that I generally enjoy playing. So unless a rp requires me to play a specific type of character, it is very likely I would create a character based on one of those types.

#1. Kuudere
This is the type I enjoy playing the most. Characters that are always calm and reserved, showing little emotion on the outside which doesn't mean the have none inside. XD it is very likely that my OC will have those personality traits even if it's not very pronounced, it will be there. I find this type fun to play because it is very relatable and challenging at the same time. Often my own reaction to events would be different from a character of this type. So that's like the reason why I rp. Challenging myself.

#2. Overly emotional
That's the opposite of the first type. I enjoy playing it slightly less but I still do and my OC often fall into this type. They will laugh, cry, get angry all in the blink of an eye. They will react to any situation in the most emotional way.
It's fun to write and you can go overboard with reactions. Yes I like exaggerating. With such characters I often exaggerate some personality trait to the maximum. Yandere for example xD



Well that doesn't mean I don't play other types of characters. I just listed the two that I often use to rp. And I enjoy playing the most.


Music, pictures etc may inspire me to create a character but that's extremely rare.

When I create a character for the rp I always plan ahead assuming rp will not end in one day. - Do I really want to play this character for a long time? Will I not get tired of it easily? Will I be able to stay in character?
And this is why I often default to one of the two types I listed. Because I know for sure I will not get tired playing them in the long run.

That's a very smart process. I like how you already in a sense, have their personality set up. That surely save a lot of time. Honestly, the most time consuming part of a form is the "Bio" and "Personality". The fact you already have the personality pre-saved in a sense is really smart. I naturally just make lively, approachable character for the sheer fact, gloomy, dark characters are in abundance in RPs. I always go towards the happy-go-lucky kind who are straight forward and blunt.

I'm really new here, do people abandon RPs often? Because Jheez, first RP I joined, it was new, died in two days. I agree whole-heartily, with those questions you ask, and I ask them too. Question, most annoying personality type in a RP? For me personally, it's the "gloomy gloomer" who never has plot development so they stay that way. It only truly urks me when they PM the admin ( the old RP website I used, it was usually me ) complaining about not being including. Well that may because you're character has zero social skills and shuts down any form of interaction.

 

[Onmyoji]

Yeah that's one way to put it xD I would, of course, adjust my characters to the rp setting and needs to make them more interesting for my rp partners etc but yes, it's a 'pre-saved' personality type in a way.
I don't have a pre-set biography, however, because that is usually tailored for specific rp. It's only personality types, but for me this is one of the most important aspects in playing a character. I need to enjoy what I'm playing and I know for sure what I'll enjoy, so I stick to it.

I'm really new here, do people abandon RPs often?

I would like to say no to that, but sadly it is 'yes'. People abandon rp often, both in 1x1 and groups. It may take a while to find a rp that lasts (but not impossible! just keep looking!).
When such topics come up I always say that people are unpredictable. One day you get a day full of bad experiences and dropped RPs, the next day you find the best RP of your life.

 

[Idea]

So when you make your character you usually make them so they correlate to the plot and other's characters? I love that, I sense you're the type that drives the plot along? I love the process you take, it's very puzzle piece like and it sounds so fun to do. Favorite genre to make a character for? Personally, for me it's fantasy hands down due to the fact you can go crazy with your ideas and make the back story a thousand times more intricate, your only boundary, not being a mary-sue.

If I'm given the opportunity yes. I try to make my characters work well with the plot and the characters people are using, I am a planner by nature so I tend to view a good story like a house: get a solid foundation and rest will be much less likely to come tumbling down. Plus if you know how the other characters are you can carve your own space and your own identity without messing with what other people want to do.

I also tend to be like the first to start developing prebuilt relations with other characters, and I love that XD


Me, drive the plot along? Well, not more than others I'd say. In 1x1s definitely, but unless I'm the GM that's not necessarily the case in groups. That said, I don't let things get idle either. I've researched into a few tricks to always get your partner content they can work with. I try to make the character do something that would stand out or prompt introspection or ask a few not "yes or no" questions. I really love diving into my character 's perspective in my posts and sorry I'm starting to ramble. Guess it means you have a great topic to show us XD. Love the way you are showing interest in the responses!

As for a favorite genre to make characters for, that's hard to say. My characters are always made to be individuals in their respective worlds, they aren't so much made as "characters for a genre", so the question never really came to my mind. I do have favorite character types and favorite genres though. I love making child characters, those are my absolute favorite. They are great for interaction and moving the plot and provide such a fresh and innocent perspective! Plus they can bring out sides of other characters that you normally wouldn't see.

My favorite genres are first and foremost comedy. Following that, I love urban fantasy, science fantasy, and some pseudo-medieval fantasy. I love game, battle, and some romances and fandoms. Lastly among my favorites is magical girl.

Those are not all the genres I like, but they are my favorites. If I had to say my favorite to make characters for, I'd say it's for battle or game. I take a long time to make characters so at some point the creative process ends and the slog of typing it out starts but when it comes to game or battle the choices made during that make the writing of the character sheet itself a game. I guess for a deep parody comedy, there is a similar effect, as it's hilarious some of the things you may end up writing for one of those CSs XD

 

[Heavenchi]

I would like to say no to that, but sadly it is 'yes'.

That's unfortunate. I love long term role-plays, it allows me to flesh out a character to much, that I'll always remember them. One of my very first RPs I made at the previous site I RPed on, the OC is used, I still remember to this day. I made her 5 years ago. XD

Speaking of long-term RPS, what's the longest you've been in a RP?

 

[Heavenchi]

If I'm given the opportunity yes. I try to make my characters work well with the plot and the characters people are using, I am a planner by nature so I tend to view a good story like a house: get a solid foundation and rest will be much less likely to come tumbling down. Plus if you know how the other characters are you can carve your own space and your own identity without messing with what other people want to do.

I also tend to be like the first to start developing prebuilt relations with other characters, and I love that XD


Me, drive the plot along? Well, not more than others I'd say. In 1x1s definitely, but unless I'm the GM that's not necessarily the case in groups. That said, I don't let things get idle either. I've researched into a few tricks to always get your partner content they can work with. I try to make the character do something that would stand out or prompt introspection or ask a few not "yes or no" questions. I really love diving into my character 's perspective in my posts and sorry I'm starting to ramble. Guess it means you have a great topic to show us XD. Love the way you are showing interest in the responses!

As for a favorite genre to make characters for, that's hard to say. My characters are always made to be individuals in their respective worlds, they aren't so much made as "characters for a genre", so the question never really came to my mind. I do have favorite character types and favorite genres though. I love making child characters, those are my absolute favorite. They are great for interaction and moving the plot and provide such a fresh and innocent perspective! Plus they can bring out sides of other characters that you normally wouldn't see.

My favorite genres are first and foremost comedy. Following that, I love urban fantasy, science fantasy, and some pseudo-medieval fantasy. I love game, battle, and some romances and fandoms. Lastly among my favorites is magical girl.

Those are not all the genres I like, but they are my favorites. If I had to say my favorite to make characters for, I'd say it's for battle or game. I take a long time to make characters so at some point the creative process ends and the slog of typing it out starts but when it comes to game or battle the choices made during that make the writing of the character sheet itself a game. I guess for a deep parody comedy, there is a similar effect, as it's hilarious some of the things you may end up writing for one of those CSs XD

Thank you, it's not the topic more so your responses are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I don't mind the rambling, it shows your enthusiasm, I love it.

My favorite genres are fantasy, all types. Thriller, sci-fi, and RPs loosely based on fandoms. I tend to join group RPS that are original meaning, I don't really care for Fandom RPs, I always somehow feel limited. Random question- do you do unrealistic or realistic FCs? From what I've seen so far on this website, unrealistic is more common?

Child characters? Oh my God- one of my favorite OCs is a child prodigy. Love her to death- I agree with you, child characters are so refreshing! With my OC's, as I've said earlier, I tend to first start with my FC which leads to me creating the name, personality, bio, abilities, and then everything else. When I'm really into a RP, I spend a lot of time on my OC but if I'm not sure about it, I'll most likely just put something down and develop her/him more as my fondness for the RP grows. So for me making a character sheet it like a plant. The FC is the seed, and the personality, bio, and what not are the fruits of it. It just, happens. I'm not really the planner type. Sounds so cringe worthy but, the FC is the creator of itself.

Does anything in particular frustrate you when making an OC?

 

[Idea]

Thank you, it's not the topic more so your responses are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I don't mind the rambling, it shows your enthusiasm, I love it.

My favorite genres are fantasy, all types. Thriller, sci-fi, and RPs loosely based on fandoms. I tend to join group RPS that are original meaning, I don't really care for Fandom RPs, I always somehow feel limited. Random question- do you do unrealistic or realistic FCs? From what I've seen so far on this website, unrealistic is more common?

Child characters? Oh my God- one of my favorite OCs is a child prodigy. Love her to death- I agree with you, child characters are so refreshing! With my OC's, as I've said earlier, I tend to first start with my FC which leads to me creating the name, personality, bio, abilities, and then everything else. When I'm really into a RP, I spend a lot of time on my OC but if I'm not sure about it, I'll most likely just put something down and develop her/him more as my fondness for the RP grows. So for me making a character sheet it like a plant. The FC is the seed, and the personality, bio, and what not are the fruits of it. It just, happens. I'm not really the planner type. Sounds so cringe worthy but, the FC is the creator of itself.

Does anything in particular frustrate you when making an OC?

Why thank you You're pretty amazing yourself

I join fandoms under several conditions. I need to like and have seen a fandom, I need to have abbot of an understanding of it and I need to see a lot of potential with it's setting. And those are just the qualifiers for me to even consider looking at a fandom RP, unless maybe a friend calls in a favor.

I always use anime faceclaims. To be honest photos and to some extent realistic ones creep me out for various reasons. I'm sensitive about certain things and I find the real world really ugly. Plus I like the aesthetic and cuteness of anime XD cuteness is justice!

As for whether they are more popular, I wouldn't say that. In fantasy yes, not realistic ones tend to be more popular, but if you go on say modes like 2/3rds ask for realistic.

In terms of things that frustrate me, I'd say two things do when making an OC. The first is when I can't come up with a good link. I often have more ideas than I can use, and when that happens I can be quite indecisive. I found that I usually can find a way to try to mix or fuse those ideas which can result in some pretty creative things but is also pretty hard, especially when those ideas are less than compatible , and I don't like writing an absolute mess for my characters.

I guess I am also a little frustrated when my partner is being vague or barely worked on their Cs, but I'll skip that as a problem since it's not about me making an OC.

So, the second and biggest problem is when a GM suddenly tells me "oh we don't allow that" at some part of my character and when I ask why they go "oh just accept it". It's also just as bad when they say it's ok and suddenly change their minds. This happens most often when I am making my favorite character type, child characters, when after me specifically asking if there is any kind of forbidden character and they don't mention any age matters, I am suddenly told "oh it makes some people uncomfortable for there to be a child" or "oh a child doesn't fit into this setting". Which sounds all well and reasonable unless you actually think about it. I could go on a rant about this, but we should probably go into PMs if we go down that route

 

[Heavenchi]

Why thank you You're pretty amazing yourself

I join fandoms under several conditions. I need to like and have seen a fandom, I need to have abbot of an understanding of it and I need to see a lot of potential with it's setting. And those are just the qualifiers for me to even consider looking at a fandom RP, unless maybe a friend calls in a favor.

I always use anime faceclaims. To be honest photos and to some extent realistic ones creep me out for various reasons. I'm sensitive about certain things and I find the real world really ugly. Plus I like the aesthetic and cuteness of anime XD cuteness is justice!

As for whether they are more popular, I wouldn't say that. In fantasy yes, not realistic ones tend to be more popular, but if you go on say modes like 2/3rds ask for realistic.

In terms of things that frustrate me, I'd say two things do when making an OC. The first is when I can't come up with a good link. I often have more ideas than I can use, and when that happens I can be quite indecisive. I found that I usually can find a way to try to mix or fuse those ideas which can result in some pretty creative things but is also pretty hard, especially when those ideas are less than compatible , and I don't like writing an absolute mess for my characters.

I guess I am also a little frustrated when my partner is being vague or barely worked on their Cs, but I'll skip that as a problem since it's not about me making an OC.

So, the second and biggest problem is when a GM suddenly tells me "oh we don't allow that" at some part of my character and when I ask why they go "oh just accept it". It's also just as bad when they say it's ok and suddenly change their minds. This happens most often when I am making my favorite character type, child characters, when after me specifically asking if there is any kind of forbidden character and they don't mention any age matters, I am suddenly told "oh it makes some people uncomfortable for there to be a child" or "oh a child doesn't fit into this setting". Which sounds all well and reasonable unless you actually think about it. I could go on a rant about this, but we should probably go into PMs if we go down that route

I know exactly what you're talking about! I personally feel like there should be a rules/request thread for RP groups so people can know what to do or avoid. I personally dislike when people try to dictate other's characters- like no please? I personally think that as long as it fits within the lore/plot in some way or another, you really shouldn't complain unless there's something blatantly not okay. Speaking of the real wold being ugly- I despise when people bring real world problems into RPs if it's not purposely a dark RP. When it comes to characters, I feel like they shouldn't soley be made with one type in mind. ie: God of Depression, Angel of Happiness. I think all OC's should have depth? If that even makes sense- Connecting to the topic of this thread, do you ever feel like you over play an inspiration?

 

[Arthro]

Creating characters is very difficult for me. If they're not completely enriched and believable, then they aren't suitable for my own standards -- I'm a perfectionist. When I do happen make a character once in a blue moon, though, they generally start off as fragments of my own personality or experiences. I'll pull from emotions I've felt and places I've seen, even people I've talked to. They all mesh together to make a being that eventually comes back to be a part of me.

I hold all my OCs so close to me, that I almost view them as myself. Is that weird?

 

[sukaithemoonlord774]

For me, I create (and/or recreate) my characters (i.e. Sukai Todd, Cupid Heart/Christopher Heart, Raye Todd/Rayne Kindle Gold etc.) based off of my experiences and emotions at the time. It's extremely driven by what I'm going through, emotionally and spiritually how my characters come to be. For example, Sukai was created many years ago during my one of my deepest depressions; whereas Cupid Heart was created at a happier point in my life. Then Mr. Rayne Kindle Gold was inspired by someone who hurt me tremendously, on many levels; spiritually and emotionally. And scarred me, mentally. So, every character is an emotional expression of what I'm going through and how I'm feeling at the time. It comes from my heart and soul.

I also trust my intuition, whether it's OC-work or fanfiction. If my Soul is telling me, to write something; I trust it and just go with it. I don't doubt what I'm writing, until I re-read it many months/years later. But I feel like in terms of creating characters for my work, I need to trust how they're evolving. Whether or not, it's palatable for a mass market doesn't really occur to me. For me, it's more like "Can I relate to my character? Great! Maybe someone else will too, one day...". That's how I view it. But this is getting long, so I'm just going to leave it at this is how I create my characters and to each their own! However people create their characters, is up to them and I see no reason in judging them. We all have our ways of being creative; and we should just respect one another's forms of creativity. But that's just my opinion, once more, to each their own!

 

[Heavenchi]

sukaithemoonlord774 Who is this referring to? Everyone?

 

[sukaithemoonlord774]

sukaithemoonlord774 Who is this referring to? Everyone?

Lol, when I say "to each their own"; I just mean anyone who reads the post. Whether they like or not. I don't expect anyone to like my posts, more often than not. So, that's why I say "to each their own". Because I personally believe I don't owe anyone anything and visa versa; and I don't want to start any drama with anyone who disagrees with my point of view. I'd rather just let them agree to disagree with me, lol. Another reason, I say that phrase is just because I have anxiety so it's a way for me to gain my own peace of mind lol. But again, that's just me lolz. Heavenchi

 

[Idea]

I know exactly what you're talking about! I personally feel like there should be a rules/request thread for RP groups so people can know what to do or avoid. I personally dislike when people try to dictate other's characters- like no please? I personally think that as long as it fits within the lore/plot in some way or another, you really shouldn't complain unless there's something blatantly not okay. Speaking of the real wold being ugly- I despise when people bring real world problems into RPs if it's not purposely a dark RP. When it comes to characters, I feel like they shouldn't soley be made with one type in mind. ie: God of Depression, Angel of Happiness. I think all OC's should have depth? If that even makes sense- Connecting to the topic of this thread, do you ever feel like you over play an inspiration?

I sometimes take real world problems into non-dark RPs, when I think it really fits the character. Like I've played characters in light-hearted RPs thatbhave speaking disorders and/or whose personalities are affected by growing up with only one parent. Of course, with some research done on the matter. That said, I don't pander to these matters. To quote a character from an anime i just binged a few days ago, "In three days this abnormal will seem normal". I'm a firm believer that if a character grows up blond, they shouldn't be thinking how blind they are, it should be there but they should have learned to live with it by then. I treat real world problems as anothe way to give character's depth and cohesiveness.

On that note, yeah I agree all OCs should have depth. I just wish people would stop confusing contradictions with complexity and deep with asshole. It really does a disservice to them and those around them when their character is someone who is pretty much a polipolar (as opposed to bipolar, but is that even a word, polipolar?) hypocrite and an ass to boot. That or a Mary Sue whose big flaws are being too nice and being sarcastic.

Rant aside, I believe people should be lesss afraid to use tropes. I don't think people quite understand that they are not going to find a new idea. There are none. In some way or another everything has already been done. It may have been with a different skin, but at a surface level, it's all been done. Real originality comes with the deep exploration with an unique perspective of something that has already been done. That's what I believe.

Which leads me to your question's answer, do I think I ever overplayed my inspirations, I'd say yes. There have been times when I have pretty fish fully ripped something off and I'm not proud of that. And when I was a noob roleplayer, just starting out, I basically made a character to preach. Like a character literally made to preach Christianity. I've seen learned a lot, and would probably go back in time and punch myself for it, but then again one's mistakes make who we are today

Do YOU feel you ever overplayed an inspiration?

 

[A Thousand Rivers]

I find inspiration through normalcy. From an object of beauty to an unappealing mannerism, I take those observations to create a character with flesh and depth. Most of the time, roleplaying is a response to the environment and situation. Hence, I want to be flexible and try to fit that character into the story. For me, it's all in imagination triggered by stimulation. I'm also inclined on making gap characters. A strong, gentle brute, and a tiny, petite sadist fairy for example; conflicting imagery is always satisfying.

 

[Ashfeather]

I honestly get inspired by trying to make a character who opposes people's expectations a little, or which is very different from myself. This is why I often enjoy playing characters who others might deem odd. Other than that, I get very inspired by studying people around me.

And, sometimes, fashion really inspires me lol.