Treatise on Character

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Treatise on Character

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Articles in this treatise are designed to provide information regarding character development. Some of this treatise directly deals with writing in Tazlure, but some of it is also for general use. Compelling, dynamic, and exciting characters are necessary for a good story. A plot can be perfect, but without intersting characters, the story won't survive.
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Creating Memorable Characters
article written by Maeve

Flat vs Round Characters
Also known as Cardboard characters vs Real characters. Strictly speaking a flat character is your standard character. He has a name and some basic personality quirks. That's it. He is always the same, with plain, basic motivations, and only serves one function in your plotline: to move the characters to the next bit, to hand them an item, some information, serve them food, guide them into the city etc.. The flat character never makes any progress, doesn't change his behavior or emotions. If you would add anything more elaborate it would be a waste of time, not only of yourself, but of the player as well. You would after all be tempted to spill over all those precious details you came up with, without them serving any function in your tale.

A real or round character has a more complex personality, and most importantly evolves during your plotline, not only showing all the different facets of his character, but actually changing them, for instance by maturing or finding real love, or becoming embittered.

Female Fatal Attraction

Are you creating male characters or do you want your male character to have some romance in his life? Then you must have asked yourself this question a million times: What attracts women to the male hero? It is an interesting subject that has mystified writers for centuries while others just have to click their fingers to create a very desirable male character. What is their secret? How do they get it right? What are we women interested in? A short survey among girl gamers and romance novel writers gave some interesting results.

The daring swashbuckling rogue wins hands down. The Scarlet Pimpernel, the Three Musketeers, Robin Hood, Pirate captains and any character played by Sean Connory. When asked most girl gamers admit it sends their hearts racing. Number one reason is the swashbuckler’s humor and witty repartees. Not only does it hint at being well educated (ladies prefer brains), it also makes the hero ooze with charisma. The inherent danger and unpredictability of roguish behavior is another winning attribute. A sense of the forbidden fruit is having the ladies pant, while the danger of being ravished and thus losing control adds a definite edge. The rake represents a challenge to ladies for it will take some ingenuity for a woman to not only let herself be seduced but make the hero commit to her. It is the well-toned lean-but-muscular build, shown off in a lacy white half opened shirt and tight black breeches, and toped with a nice goatee, which completes the picture of a dashing hero.

The dark hero comes a good second. He is brooding, mysterious, somehow stands away from the crowd and carries the promise of evil intentions. His conversation is challenging, provocative and cynical, perhaps even bitter. He is more than a little arrogant. The dark hero radiates power. Yet underneath his tough surface there are unexpected moments of vulnerability and tender care. Again the danger element and the risk to the lady are the main attractions, but in this case it’s the tenderness that makes us melt. Where the swashbuckler is tantalizing through seduction, the dark hero makes female characters react with both adversity and a need to sooth his inner turmoil. The physical looks of the dark hero are in matching colors, especially dark hair and sometimes a bit of rough stubble on his chin. Apparently books with blond heroes don't sell very well. Other typical characteristics include broad shoulders, curls at the nape of his neck and well-defined hands.

Finally, do not discount the Knight In Shining White Armor just yet. Women adore being put on a pedestal, admired for all to see, while being showered with gifts and attention. Old-fashioned romance is a big ego booster. The knight is strong of character and protective, with a passionate idealism. This nobility is a big turn on. It works especially well if his idealism brings him into conflict with others, since that touches upon the danger element again. If it keeps him from committing to the lady, that adds a challenge an a hint of tragedy. There is also still the risk of loss of control for the lady, but in a nicer positive way. The knights preferred build screams Good Breeding Stock with broad shoulders and an overall muscular look. Perhaps one or two scars hint at his prowess in battle.

There are also a few elements that can be a big turn off to women. At any given time during a romantic scene the female character should remain in control of what happens, even if only subtly. She wants to be seduced, not controlled and romance should only happen if she wants it, even if subconsciously (as can be read in descriptions of her emotions). It is the challenge of facing danger that thrills women, not the actual abuse of rape or beatings. Since most ladies are attracted to a form of danger, males who are too soft and do not radiate power in any way shape or form will never become real heroes. Sorry, but wimps are simply not that attractive. And lastly remember that the chase is half the fun and that goes for ladies too. Make sure the hero is a challenge and do not roll over and declare undying love after having met only hours ago. Seducing a woman does not mean committing heart and soul. The reward of taming the hero should be hard work.

Fatal Male Attraction?

Well, is this a section you really need help on? Watch a Hollywood movie and the archetypes that will draw in the male character are fairly obvious.

The Beautiful Helpless Chick
A classic archetype. Stunningly beautiful woman with full curves in all the right places (dare we say chainmail bikini?). Favorites are Blonds (with blue eyes), Redheads (with green eyes) and Brunettes (with brown eyes). Everything about this character is refined and cultured, though she may have a seductive even somewhat slutty touch, especially if she's evil which may give her a more forward nature. Only virgins are shy. It is essential that the Male PC can feel strong and needed, so this character has a problem or needs to be protected. A true damsel in distress. The Beautiful Helpless Chick is the type to scream as Orcs attack, instead of joining in with relish.

The Kick Ass Adventure Chick
Think Tombraiders. A lady who stands her own in difficult circumstances and maintains a healthy somewhat muscled physique. She has her soft side of course, one that the Male Pc might want to investigate. Remember though, that at first she might resist the hero, smarthmouthing him. Make her a challenge. This lady will slay her own Orcs, thank you very much.
Last edited by Guest on Mon Nov 29, 2004 5:19 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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