Taking a break from being a DM, let’s talk about playing a character! The call to adventure echoes! In the realm of tabletop RPGs (role-playing games), your character is your vessel, your window into a world of magic, mayhem, and heroic deeds. But with a myriad of races/ancestries, classes/jobs, and abilities to choose from, crafting a truly compelling character can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow adventurers! Here are my top 10 tips to forge a character that’s both mechanically sound and bursting with personality.
1. Concept Before Mechanics:
I always recommend starting with ‘who’ your character is as opposed to ‘what’ they are mechanically.
- Who are they? Before diving into rulebooks, brainstorm your character’s core concept. Are they a stoic warrior seeking redemption, or a cunning rogue with a thirst for knowledge? Is there a character from a game or book that really inspired you?
- What drives them? Flesh out their motivations. What are their desires, fears, and past experiences? Understanding these elements shapes their actions and decisions.
2. Theme & Mechanics Unite:
Once you have figured out the basics concepts of your character, you want to start figuring how that best is portrayed by in-game mechanics.
- Class Harmony: Choose a class that complements your character concept. A stoic warrior might be a fighter or paladin, while a knowledge-hungry scoundrel could be a bard or wizard.
- Race/Ancestry Resonance: Select a race/ancestry that fits thematically. Does your character crave physical prowess? An Orc or Goliath might be ideal. For a nimble rogue, consider a Halfling or Elf. Various systems and worlds treat the traditional fantasy races differently so make sure your choice makes sense for your game.
3. Backstory Bonanza:
- Beyond Basics: Don’t just list a name and age. Craft a backstory that weaves your character into the world. Where do they come from? What pivotal events shaped their personality? What happened to give them the motivations and make them the character you have designed
- Leave Room for Growth: Don’t tie everything up in a neat bow. Leave room for the campaign to influence your character’s story. Most campaigns start at a low level so while your character may have been around a while there life of adventure is just starting.
4. Find Your Voice:
- Mannerisms & Speech Patterns: How does your character speak? Do they have a distinct accent, catchphrases, or way of carrying themselves? These details bring them to life at the table.
- Personality Powerhouse: Is your character witty and sarcastic, or brooding and introspective? A strong personality makes them memorable and fuels roleplaying interactions. Try to avoid traits that directly antagonize your fellow party members. An adventuring party shouldn’t always be at each other’s throats (Although some points of tension can be fun!)
5. Numbers with Nuance:
- Optimize, But Don’t Min-Max: While strong mechanics are important, prioritize creating a well-rounded character. Consider their strengths and weaknesses, and how they complement the party dynamic. If you have to choose a dump stat, or attribute that you make specifically low to increase your other attributes, make it a part of your backstory. A frail old wizened wizard is not likely to be very strong.
- Skills Tell a Story: Don’t just pick skills based on combat prowess. Choose skills that reflect your character’s background and interests. Why does your character know that specific language or have the ability to pick locks?
6. Flaws Fuel Flavor:
- Imperfections are Interesting: Don’t be afraid to give your character a flaw or two. A fear of heights for a mountain climber or a gambling addiction for a rogue add depth and create opportunities for roleplaying. Some systems even encourage flaws and provide bonuses for having them and roleplaying or overcoming them.
7. Gear Up for Glory:
- Equipment Beyond the Basics: Think about your character’s preferred equipment beyond just weapons and armor. Does a scholarly wizard have a trusty quill and a tome of arcane knowledge? Perhaps a cunning rogue carries lockpicks and a bag of tricks. Most DMs love when characters have personalized items that don’t provide mechanical benefits because they open up the door for rich storytelling.
8. Party Harmony:
- Collaboration is Key: If you’re playing with a group, consider how your character complements the party dynamic. Do they possess skills or abilities the party lacks? If building your character during a session 0 make sure to ask the DM and other party members for suggestions on how to fit into the world and party.
- Role Synergy: Make sure to discuss character concepts with your fellow players to avoid redundancy and create a well-rounded adventuring group. Depending on the style of campaign you may want a traditional MMO raid group roles of Healer, Damage (DPS), and Tank, or maybe you want a party full of clerics who all have different sup-specialties.
9. Embrace the Unexpected:
- Be Flexible: The beauty of tabletop RPGs is the element of surprise. Be open to adapting your character’s backstory or goals based on the campaign’s unfolding narrative. Maybe the DM introduces the campaign to someone from your back story or maybe your character’s personality evolves as they are out adventuring.
- Growth Through Gameplay: Let your character grow through their experiences. Perhaps a traumatic encounter leaves them more cautious, or a victory bolsters their confidence.
10. Most Importantly, Have Fun!
Don’t get bogged down in min-maxing or creating the perfect backstory. The most important thing is to have fun and create a character you’re excited to embody. So unleash your creativity, embrace the adventure, and forge a legend in the world of tabletop RPGs!
Ready to Share Your Character Creations?
Tell us about the most compelling characters you’ve built in the comments below! We can’t wait to hear about the heroes (or anti-heroes) you’ve brought to life.
