Make Your Characters Real!

[viljo erik tawast]

The more you know about your character, the strong the character is. At the same time, the more you know your character, the easier it is to figure out their reaction to things that happen around you. One could way to accomplish this, is to spend time exploring your character and learning more about them. Remember, we are not our characters!

For example:
In real life, I'm a big coffee fan. When it comes to soda, I prefer Dr. Pepper made with real sugar over Diet Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper over regular Dr. Pepper. If Dr. Pepper isn't available, I'll either go with Root Bear or Diet Coke/Pepsi.

Viljo has never had coffee and hates the smell of it. He prefers real tea that has been brewed in the pot with actual loose leaves and detests the tea that comes in bags that you soak in hot water. He also likes drinking lots of water, mostly because of how much he is doing physical activity.

If you are looking for ways to build up your character, take some time using either of these two links for questions to answer about your character. And feel free to post replies to this thread.

Oh, also, the sign of a well built character, is when you have tid-bits of random information that make your character interesting, but are unlikely to ever come up in the game.

The Links:
100 Character Development Questions: www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474976908598

365 Questions: www.errantdreams.com/files/365charques.pdf

[annabelle madeline northbrook]

Here comes 100 answers to 100 questions, for my least developed character.
In character, and not

Mandatory Questions

1. What about you is heroic?
I don't view myself as heroic. Heroism is the stupidest thing I can conceive of.
2. What about you is social? What do you like about people?
I don't.
3. Of what benefit could you be to the current group?
Possibly my above average intelligence, but it's really nothing special.
4. Why would you choose to join the current group?
I haven't anything better to do with my time. Plus, they all dress quite nicely.
5. Invent an adventure/plot that your character would actively undertake (as opposed to just tagging along)?
Annabelle would probably help the fairies make mischief just to see the ensuing chaos and results.

Personal Questions


1. What is your real, birth name? What name do you use?
Annabelle Northbrook, to both. Not that I like it, seems rather girly, doesn't it?
2. Do you have any nicknames? Where do they come from?
Anna...it kind of surfaced while I was in school, really.
3. What do you look like? (Include height, weight, hair, eyes, skin, apparent age, and distinguishing features)
5'6, 130 pounds, average build. Brlown hair, blue eyes, I look my age, which is 16, and I'm really average looking and nothing special. At least I'd like to think so, anyway.
4. How do you dress most of the time?
I like to dress boyishly...dresses are too complicated and, well, girly, I suppose.
5. How do you "dress up?"
I put on a fancy coat.
6. How do you "dress down?"
I take off the fancy coat.
7. What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Well, it depends on how warm it is. I sleep in everything from a pyjama set to underwear, in winter and summer, respectively. Doesn't that make the most sense?
8. Do you wear any jewelry?
I have ear piercings, and sometimes rings and things like that.
9. In your opinion, what is your best feature?
Well, I like the colour of my hair. It's very...brown.
10. What's your real birth date?
February 26, 1994.
11. Where do you live? Describe it: Is it messy, neat, avant-garde, sparse, etc.?
It's modern with some fancy, antique touches. A black and white theme, some candles, mixed with furniture with modern cuts. My area of the dorm reflects this as well.
12. Do you own a car? Describe it.
No, I like walking. It's the only thing that keeps me from growing chubby.
13. What is your most prized mundane possession? Why do you value it so much?
I like my newsboy caps. Father got me one, and ever since, I have treasured them, as silly as it sounds.
14. What one word best describes you?
Serious.


Familial Questions


1. What was your family like?
Lots of boys...they have definitely rubbed off on me.
2. Who was your father, and what was he like?
He was your average father, and tried his best to take care of all of us. I do look up to him, to be honest.
3. Who was your mother, and what was she like?
I don't remember that well....
4. What was your parents marriage like? Were they married? Did they remain married?
See above.
5. What were your siblings names? What were they like?
Noah, Allen, David, Barry. All typical boys. It was sometimes difficult but mostly fun.
6. What's the worst thing one of your siblings ever did to you? What's the worst thing you've done to one of your siblings?
They cut off my hair when I was sleeping...I kept it short ever since. I did not feel that getting back at them was the appropriate course of action, nor do I recall doing anything particularly mean to them.
7. When's the last time you saw any member of your family? Where are they now? They are at home, where I left them, before starting the Academy a few months ago.
8. Did you ever meet any other family members? Who were they? What did you think of them?
Our section of the family generally kept to ourselves.


Childhood Questions


1. What is your first memory?
Walking. I actually do remember my first time walking.
2. What was your favorite toy?
I didn't like my toys. I generally played with my brother's toys, usually matchbox cars. I loved those.
3. What was your favorite game?
Cops and robbers. I still enjoy games like that, as much as I hate to admit it.
4. Any non-family member adults stick out in your mind? Who were they, and how did you know them? Why do they stick out?
I had a very nice math teacher. Other than that, not really.
5. Who was your best friend when you were growing up?
Her name was Kimberly. I don't remember much about her.
6. What is your fondest, childhood memory?
Dad giving me my first cap.
7. What is your worst childhood memory?
Mom, dying.

Adolescent Questions


1. How old were you when you went on your first date?
...whatever.
2. It is common for one's view of authority to develop in their adolescent years. What is your view of authority, and what event most affected it?
All authority should be questioned and challenged. They will gain my respect depending on their reactions to said challenges and questions. I don't think any particular event made me feel this way.
3. What were you like in high school? What "clique" did you best fit in with?
I am still, technically, in high school. Cliques are not my thing, either.
4. What were your high school goals?
Well, I'd like to graduate.
5. Who was your idol when you were growing up? Who did you first fantasize about in your life?
I....I don't fantasize. That's stupid.
6. What is your favorite memory from adolescence?
Erm, coming to Mille-feuille, I guess.
7. What is your worst memory from adolescence?
I'm not going to talk about that...

Occupational Questions


1. Do you have a job? What is it? Do you like it? If no job, where does your money come from?
No.
2. What is your boss or employer like? (Or publisher, or agent, or whatever.)
n/a
3. What are your co-workers like? Do you get along with them? Any in particular? Which ones don't you get along with?
n/a
4. What is something you had to learn that you hated?
n/a
5. Do you tend to save or spend your money? Why?
I save some, I spend some. That seems the most logical course of action to me.

Likes & Dislikes Questions


1. What hobbies do you have?
I like to play cards, and study. They might not be hobbies to most people, but they are to me.
2. Who is your closest mundane friend? Describe them and how you relate to them.
My dorm mates seem quite mundane at first glance. I can't describe or relate to them as I do not know them that well...
3. Who is your worst mundane enemy? Describe them and why you don't get along.
I don't think I have any as of yet.
4. What bands do you like? Do you even pay attention?
I like modern rock and violin instrumentals. No bands in particular stand out.
5. What tape or CD hasn't left your player since your purchased it? Why?
CDS and tapes are for the unmodernized.
6. What song is "your song?" Why?
I don't think I have a 'song'.
7. What's been your favorite movie of all time?
Spirited Away. I watched it a lot when I was younger.
8. Read any good books? What were they?
I enjoyed the books written by Ricard Dawkins.
9. What do you watch on the Television?
I enjoy game shows, actually, Don't Forget the Lyrics in particular.
10. When it comes to mundane politics, do you care? If so, which way do you tend to vote? If not, why don't you care?
I enjoy politics as it ties in with my love of debating... I suppose I could be considered liberal with libertarian leanings.
11. What type of places do you hang out in with your mundane friends?
I...don't do that kind of thing.
12. What type of places do you hang out in with your normal friends?
I...what? I don't.
13. What annoys you more than anything else?
A lack of intelligence, as it leads to other things I find annoying.
14. What would be the perfect gift for you?
A Word of the Day calendar.
15. What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
I'm not sure I've seen something that sticks out in particular.
16. What time of day is your favorite?
Nighttime.
17. What kind of weather is your favorite?
I love the rain, or a windy, sunny day.
18. What is your favorite food? What is your least favorite food?
I love chocolate, and I do not like pasta.
19. What is your favorite drink? (Coffee, Coke, Juice, Beer, Wine, etc.)
I enjoy most drinks, chocolate milk is the best example.
20. What's your favorite animal? Why?
I love birds. They are fascinating to watch.
21. Do you have any pets? Do you want any pets? What kind?
No and no.
22. What do you find most relaxing? (Not as in stress relief, but as something that actually calms you down.)
I, er, like to punch trees. It's the least damaging thing to punch, other than a punching bag. Unfortunately, violence like that calms me down.
23. What habit that others have annoys you most?
Procrastination.
24. What kind of things embarrass you? Why?
I...feel embarrassed when my voice slips.
25. What don't you like about yourself?
Well....I don't like that i'm a girl, if that counts.
26. How would you like to look?
I am fine with my looks right now, but, see the above.

Sex & Intimacy Questions


1. Would you consider yourself straight, gay, bi, or something else? Why?
I mostly like girls, although...I may consider a male if he is...not like most males.
2. Who was the first person you had sex with? When did it happen? What was it like? How well did it go?
...I, uh, am not going there.
3. Have you ever had a same-sex experience? Who with, what was it like, and how did it go?
Yes. Am I going to talk about it? No.
4. What is your deepest, most well-hidden sexual fantasy? Would you ever try it?
I-I don't think about those kinds of things...
5. What was the wildest thing you've ever done, sexually? Who was it with and when did it happen?
I don't...I don't know.
6. Is there any sexual activity that you enjoy and/or practice regularly that can be considered non-standard? (Bondage, Fantasy Play, etc.) Why do you like it?
I don't have regular sexual activity right now, thank you.
7. Is there any sexual activity that you will not, under any circumstances, do?
Uhm...some of the more extreme fetishes. I consider myself pretty open in other regards, though.
8. Do you currently have a lover? What is their name, and what is your relationship like? What are they like? Why are you attracted to them?
No, I do not.
9. What is the perfect romantic date?
That kind of thing is not important to me.
10. Describe the perfect romantic partner for you.
Myself.
11. Do you ever want to get married and have children? When do you see this happening?
I do not want children... and never see it happening.
12. What is more important - sex or intimacy? Why?
Both are integral to a healthy relationship.
13. What was your most recent relationship like? Who was it with? (Does not need to be sexual, merely romantic.)
That's...not something I want to discuss, thanks.
14. What's the worst thing you've done to someone you loved?
It was not me, it was my father. He called the police on them...

Drug & Alcohol Questions


1. How old were you when you first got drunk? What was the experience like?
I have only gotten tipsy. Drunkenness causes too many things I do not enjoy, so I don't partake in it.
Did anything good come out of it? Did anything bad come out of it?
N/a
2. Do you drink on any kind of regular basis?
Not really. I may sneak some Baileys into a coffee, occasionally.
3. What kind of alcohol do you prefer?
Baileys. It tastes like alcohol the least.
4. Have you ever tried any other kind of "mood altering" substance? Which one(s)? What did you think of each?
Yes, I have. No, you are not getting that kind of information from me. I have had both good and bad experiences. The best have been ones that have opened my mind. The worst have been ones that closed it.
5. What do you think of drugs and alcohol? Are there any people should not do? Why or why not?
Anyone that does non recreational drugs, like methamphetamines, does not deserve to live and....deserve the death that awaits. Same with those who abuse prescription medications...natural selection, people.


Morality Questions


1. What one act in your past are you most ashamed of? What one act in your past are you most proud of?
I am not ashamed or proud of anything.
2. Have you ever been in an argument before? Over what, with who, and who won?
I am in many arguments and debates. The results depend on the intelligence of the one i am debating with.
3. Have you ever been in a physical fight before? Over what, with who, and who won?
Yes...I did. I was over petty things, I will not do that again. I was young and I didn't know...
4. What do you feel most strongly about?
I feel quite strongly about politics and equality for all.
5. What do you pretend to feel strongly about, just to impress people?
I don't. Impressing people is not important to me.
6. What trait do you find most admirable, and how often do you find it?
Intelligence. Seldom.
7. Is there anything you think should not be incorporated into the media or art (sex, violence, greed, etc.,)? If so, what and why, and if not, why not?
Everything can be artistically and/or properly depicted, as disturbing as it may seem to some.
8. Do you have any feelings in general that you are disturbed by? What are they? Why do they disturb you?
Well. I suppose the above counts...
9. What is your religious view of things? What religion, if any, do you call your own?
I am agnostic. It is the most logical, as you can neither prove nor disprove higher power(s).
10. Do you think the future is hopeful? Why?
I would like to think so....
11. Is an ounce of prevention really worth a pound of cure? Which is more valuable? Why do you feel this way?
I don't feel any way about that subject.
12. What's the worst thing that can be done to another person? Why?
Murder. Because it, uh, ends their life?
13. What's the worst thing you could actually do to someone you hated?
Well, it depends on the consequences...If I vould get away with anything, I would do it, if it makes sense to me.
14. Are you a better leader or follower? Why do you think that? If you think the whole leader-follower archetype is a crock of shit, say so, and explain why?
I think it's 'crock of shit'. Why? Simply because it's of no concern to me.
15. What is your responsibility to the world, if any? Why do you think that?
I don't feel as if I have one. We are all small specks in a big world, nothing we do can change it unless we are important, contrary to popular opinion.
16. Do you think redemption is possible? If so, can anyone be redeemed, or are there only certain circumstances that can be? If not, why do you think nothing can redeem itself?
I suppose, but it depends on the circumstances.
17. Is it okay for you to cry? When was the last time you cried?
I suppose it is. It's not something I dwell on.
18. What do you think is wrong with MOST people, overall?
Ignorance. It causes most, if not all, problems.


Miscellaneous Questions


1. What is the thing that has frightened you most? Do you think there is anything out there that's scarier than that? What do you think that would be?
Him. No.
2. Has anyone or anything you've ever cared about died? How did you feel about it? What happened?
Well, mom. I was too young to know what's going on, but what happens, happens. It was ab it sad, but feeling that way is normal.
3. What was the worst injury you've ever received? How did it happen?
A blow to the head. Not a pleasant situation.
4. How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
I am a bit ticklish...mostly on my feet.
5. What is your current long term goal?
Graduate.
6. What is your current short term goal?
Get high marks.
7. Do you have any bad habits? If so, what are they, and do you plan to get rid of them?
I need to stop being so serious....wait, no, I don't.
8. If you were a mundane person, what would you do with your life? What occupation would you want, and how would you spend all your time?
I wish to be mundane, with a mundane profession, because there is little point in trying to be important. It just happens.
9. What time period do you wish you had lived in? Why? (Looking at this as an attempt to change history doesn't count.) What appeals to you about this era?
I wish to live in the present. The rights of people in the past were infringed upon too much, and I would not enjoy that.
10. How private of a person are you? Why?
I am quite private; boring people with the details of my life is pointless.
11. If you were to gain an obscenely large sum of money (via an inhertiance, a lawsuit, a lottery, or anything else) what would you do with it?
Invest in my education.
12. What would you wish for if you found a genie?
Well...there's a few things...
13. What do you do when you are bored?
Study.
14. What is the most frightening potential handicap or disfigurement you can conceive of? What makes it so frightening?
A brain injury, as then I'd be rather....unintelligent.