Post by jerico on Jun 1, 2005 20:53:48 GMT -5
If storyline is key in the success of a game, then character development is certainly worth taking a look at. Often times we feel overwhelmed with a complicated character or bored out of our minds with a simple one. Both of these can easily turn out to be “bad” characters—or at least characters with plenty of room for improvement.
For this article, let’s talk human characters--though you could apply what's said here to animals, or whatever. To be realistic, likely the characters in your game will be reminiscent of real people you can meet in our world of 3D, so, it may be a good idea to start development off of what you know. Let’s look at an example that may very well be your hero: a teenaged boy.
First, forget he’s teenaged for the moment. What do we know?
Male
13-19 years old
Alright, what are some other physical features we can come up with? How about this:
Brown Hair
Blue Eyes
5’9”
150 lbs.
Excellent. The easy part is done. Now let’s look at his mental state. Imagine that you’re a psychologist, and your character is on a sofa in your office and you’re asking some questions about him. What are some of the things you would want to know?
Family life?
Siblings?
Favorite activity?
Least favorite activity?
Things they find exciting?
Things they find annoying?
Negative life experiences?
Positive life experiences?
Any other major events?
Jot the answers to these questions down, and the answers to any more questions you may come up with. Don’t spare any detail, you may be surprised the amount of times you’ll find yourself in game development and say, “Hey! I could use this characteristic here!” even though it may seem like a silly thing to write down now—so take the time and jot it all down.
Alright, now for his emotional state:
How does he treat other people?
How does he feel like he treats other people?
How do others feel about him?
How does he feel about others in general?
Fears?
How does he think about himself?
That last one there is the biggie, so take your time and write all your thoughts down.
By the end of the process you may have a few pages of notes for the character, don’t worry, it won’t kill you. So here’s the finished sketch of our teenaged boy, let’s call him Ben:
Ben
Brown Hair
Blue Eyes
5’9”
150 lbs.
16 years old
Family life?
Ben lives quietly alone with his mother and father. Both the parents work their time on the family farm with Ben’s younger brother, Jack. The father can be strict at times, and the mother can be protective, but all and all, they’re pretty easy going people.
Siblings?
Jack, 9 year old younger brother
Favorite activity?
Enjoys archery
Least favorite activity?
Sewing his own patches onto his cloths when he tears them.
Things they find exciting?
Fireworks, seeing other townsfolk use magic.
Things they find annoying?
The rich aristocrats of the kingdom.
Negative life experiences?
His family has had to move because of the rich nobles, during this time he lost a baby sister because of exposure to the cold during their forced move.
Positive life experiences?
While his father was out in the field, Ben taught Jack how to ride himself. It was the most joyous thing he can remember.
Any other major events?
Father gave Ben a bow for his 12th birthday.
How does he treat other people?
He normally treats people according to social class. The rich guys obviously the worst and fellow farmers the best.
How does he feel like he treats other people?
He’s fairly honest with himself, and admits to treating the rich poorly.
How do others feel about him?
Others see Ben as capable, but a bit of a dreamer. Some wouldn’t have an easy time trusting him with very big responsibilities.
How does he feel about others in general?
Other people, to Ben, are simply there. He doesn’t concern himself much with others, even with his grudges.
Fears?
Snakes, but he wouldn’t admit it openly.
How does he think about himself?
What can he say? He’s a dreamer, and a pondering character. Sure, he doesn’t think he’s top stuff, but he’s willing to try. His sense of adventure is incredible.
________________
Done! Even with this rough and simple sketch, we all know exactly who Ben is. As the developer, it would be up to you to reveal bits and pieces about Ben as the game goes on, perhaps having some of his characteristics as key elements in the progression of the story. Best of luck, may your ideas flow like wine!
For this article, let’s talk human characters--though you could apply what's said here to animals, or whatever. To be realistic, likely the characters in your game will be reminiscent of real people you can meet in our world of 3D, so, it may be a good idea to start development off of what you know. Let’s look at an example that may very well be your hero: a teenaged boy.
First, forget he’s teenaged for the moment. What do we know?
Male
13-19 years old
Alright, what are some other physical features we can come up with? How about this:
Brown Hair
Blue Eyes
5’9”
150 lbs.
Excellent. The easy part is done. Now let’s look at his mental state. Imagine that you’re a psychologist, and your character is on a sofa in your office and you’re asking some questions about him. What are some of the things you would want to know?
Family life?
Siblings?
Favorite activity?
Least favorite activity?
Things they find exciting?
Things they find annoying?
Negative life experiences?
Positive life experiences?
Any other major events?
Jot the answers to these questions down, and the answers to any more questions you may come up with. Don’t spare any detail, you may be surprised the amount of times you’ll find yourself in game development and say, “Hey! I could use this characteristic here!” even though it may seem like a silly thing to write down now—so take the time and jot it all down.
Alright, now for his emotional state:
How does he treat other people?
How does he feel like he treats other people?
How do others feel about him?
How does he feel about others in general?
Fears?
How does he think about himself?
That last one there is the biggie, so take your time and write all your thoughts down.
By the end of the process you may have a few pages of notes for the character, don’t worry, it won’t kill you. So here’s the finished sketch of our teenaged boy, let’s call him Ben:
Ben
Brown Hair
Blue Eyes
5’9”
150 lbs.
16 years old
Family life?
Ben lives quietly alone with his mother and father. Both the parents work their time on the family farm with Ben’s younger brother, Jack. The father can be strict at times, and the mother can be protective, but all and all, they’re pretty easy going people.
Siblings?
Jack, 9 year old younger brother
Favorite activity?
Enjoys archery
Least favorite activity?
Sewing his own patches onto his cloths when he tears them.
Things they find exciting?
Fireworks, seeing other townsfolk use magic.
Things they find annoying?
The rich aristocrats of the kingdom.
Negative life experiences?
His family has had to move because of the rich nobles, during this time he lost a baby sister because of exposure to the cold during their forced move.
Positive life experiences?
While his father was out in the field, Ben taught Jack how to ride himself. It was the most joyous thing he can remember.
Any other major events?
Father gave Ben a bow for his 12th birthday.
How does he treat other people?
He normally treats people according to social class. The rich guys obviously the worst and fellow farmers the best.
How does he feel like he treats other people?
He’s fairly honest with himself, and admits to treating the rich poorly.
How do others feel about him?
Others see Ben as capable, but a bit of a dreamer. Some wouldn’t have an easy time trusting him with very big responsibilities.
How does he feel about others in general?
Other people, to Ben, are simply there. He doesn’t concern himself much with others, even with his grudges.
Fears?
Snakes, but he wouldn’t admit it openly.
How does he think about himself?
What can he say? He’s a dreamer, and a pondering character. Sure, he doesn’t think he’s top stuff, but he’s willing to try. His sense of adventure is incredible.
________________
Done! Even with this rough and simple sketch, we all know exactly who Ben is. As the developer, it would be up to you to reveal bits and pieces about Ben as the game goes on, perhaps having some of his characteristics as key elements in the progression of the story. Best of luck, may your ideas flow like wine!