professor science (midichlorians) wrote in buildcharacter, @ 2012-07-03 15:50:00 |
|
|||
Entry tags: | big picture, character definition, roles |
character definition #1
One of your first considerations when writing a character should be the role they play in their story. Is the character a hero or a villain? If the character is a hero, what kind of hero? Below is a short list of character types. Choose which role your character falls into and tell us what motivates them in that role. Why is this their role? What traits, skills, goals, flaws and experiences lead that character to take on that role. As always, try to make your answer at least 100 words (though this is in no way required) and be as detailed as possible! Remember: these questions are for original characters as well as canons. (Don't forget to follow the posting guidelines.) Hero: Heroes come in many forms, but the essential trait of a hero is that at some point they make a major sacrifice in order to achieve a goal. A hero may be willing or unwilling, serious or comic, a leader or a loner. Not everyone is a hero, although they may want to be. Keep this in mind. Mentor: The essential trait of mentors is that they provide guidance and tools that the hero or heroes may need. The guidance that a mentor gives often varies in quality, but it is there nonetheless. A mentor can be anything from a slightly more experienced friend, a parent, or a boss to a former hero that succeeded or failed in their own quest. Threshold Guardian: The essential trait of a threshold guardian is that they represent a barrier that the hero attempts to pass through. Threshold guardians are often minor villains, but may also be good or neutral people whose position happens to represent a barrier or a competing goal. Their job is to test the hero in some way. Herald: A herald is a character whose information or actions alter the lives or goals of the hero. They may deliver a challenge or simply inform the hero of a change in the status quo. Heralds are often fairly minor characters. Shapeshifter: A shapeshifter is a character whose role and even personality change dramatically throughout a story. They may start out as a villain but become an ally. They may begin as a romantic interest but become a villain. They may even wear a disguise and appear as more than person. In many cases, the hero’s love interest is a shapeshifter, Shadow: A shadow is the hero’s dark counterpart. Shadows often serve as the central villains of a story, but may also serve as a cautionary victim. They often have many of the same traits as the hero, but have somehow become corrupted. They represent what can happen to the hero if she loses her way. Trickster: The trickster represents mischief and misdirection. Tricksters often serve as comic relief, but can sometimes be threatening or heroic in their own ways. Mentors can also come in the guise of a trickster. | |
about the comm | drop box |
rules and guidelines | tags |