Creating Vivid Characters

[Rachiel]

As promised, another link to an article by Kimberly Appelcline that should spark a bit of discussion.

Enjoy.

http://www.skotos.net/articles/

Rachiel
Customer Experience Host

[Lady]

I just finished reading Kimberly's article on: Creating Vivid Characters.

A wonderful and solid piece. And only too true. I know even some of the most seasoned of professionals can forget to follow those guidelines Kimberly put forth. One humorous example comes to mind from the Late Marion Zimmer Bradley who commented on when she named three of her main characters all similar names and even she was getting confused by the end.

This story really gave me a lot to think about. Namely how I view my NPCs, what makes them so distinct, and how can I keep that distinction in the Reader's/Gamer's mind especially.

I think the one I have the most difficulty with at times can be speech pattern. But I'm thinking about giving that exercise a try and listening more to those around me, their cadences, their word choices, ect.

I've always had a great respect for those people and authors who could convey 'accents' in a text based venue and keep it consistant.

But I am definitely appreciating these articles, wonderful advice!

[Rachiel]

Lady,

I am glad that you enjoyed the article. We at Skotos have a commitment to excellence (pardon the cliche). There is a fine StoryTeller and StoryPlayer in all of us. What we sometimes lack is the motivation and patience to do our best work.

We want to create an environment that is a source of pride and perhaps even literary epiphany. Nothing feels as incredible as having a truly rich scene during role-play. It's like finally seeing Mulder and Scully kiss!

Rachiel
Customer Experience Host

[Lady]

I fully agree, Rachiel.

I like the fact you said literary epiphany, becuase that is the best way to describe the flow of a story sometimes. Or, as you pointed out, the flow a scene.

There's that session where everything just clicks. That's the session when your heart is just pounding and you're truly flowing with the story, your character, and the other players.

When at the end of it, you just stop, blink. Its an hour later and you're wondering how you went from point A to point B before you even knew what was happening.