Technique Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Hey, I'm Technique, you may call me Tech or whatever. I've been using DYOM since a while now. I'm working on a mission pack called Sweet Life, I'm already designing the second mission and I plan to release the missions soon. But what I started to think about is, that when I play mission packs I often see blank and empty characters. The protagonists often have a decent character and story, but most of the other characters are just random guys you do work with, kill them or whatever. This tutorial is going to change that. Of course you can think of a short backstory and personality, but if you're interested in more detail then this is something for you. Of course, you don't have to answer all the questions when making a character. Just pick the ones you think are the most important. What's the purpose? These questions should give your character more shape and will help you make much more interesting characters for your missions. Or if you have trouble thinking of good characters then this is a perfect start. Anyways, on to the questions: BACKSTORY Where did they live? If non-native, how did they get to San Andreas? Why are they in San Andreas? What social class was their family? How did they feel about that? What do they think about their family? What did their family do for a living? What kind of parents/guardians did they have? Were there any specific traditions or rules? What kind of education did they receive? Are they religious? How does religion affect them? What do they hate most of all? Why? What do they want most of all? What are they willing to do to obtain that? Any notable quirks, ticks, or habits (think of at least 1 for each)? What do they fear (think of 1 fear or justify no fears)? What are they willing to do to avoid that? What is the hardest thing they've ever had to do? How did it affect them? What is the best moment of their life so far? Worst? How did that affect them? Choose 5 words to best describe your character's personality. SOCIAL How do they feel about: government in general? What do they think about foreigners (people from other countries, religions)? Do they show respect? What do they think of: Superiors? Authority figures? Laws? Groups? People in General? Are they quiet and reflective or loud and opinionated? Are they independent or group oriented? Do they take orders well? Can they put aside their desires/ideals for others? Do they feel like others are trying to use them for their own advantage? Complete the following sentences: I pledge allegiance too _______. The last thing in the world I'd want is _______. I'll rest easy when _______. VIOLENCE What are their views on killing? Have they killed before? Who was the first person they killed? How and why? How easily are they angered? What weapons are their familiar with? How did they learn to use them? What role does honor play in combat? Do they have any creeds, standards, or codes they're compelled to follow? Will they use force to take what they want? If so, even if it belongs to someone who hasn't wronged them? Is torture acceptable? Is kidnapping acceptable? Would they accept an opponent's yield? If yes, even one from a dishonorable opponent? Would they kill someone defenseless? If no, even if directly ordered by a boss/superior? What environment are they most comfortable fighting in? Do they have a most hated foe (specific individuals, groups, gangs, police etc.)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doublepulse Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Totally agree people need to flesh out more characters. Sometimes creating certain dialogue or cut-scenes for those actors builds their characters. I often think the hard part is not the character development, but getting people to understand the character you created. Everyone sees the characters differently and not everyone will think the same about one. I believe it is possible to get the right emotion you want people to feel with the character using certain words and phrases. Some might disagree because since people are often reading text for the character dialogue, they are not hearing any voices, so they have to use their imagination for what these characters sound like and feel like at that moment in time. V7 will sort of change that for me since I hope to get into voice acting This is a great tutorial Technique! I appreciate the list of questions. For awhile, I have been trying to add more emotion and feeling with certain characters on my recent Storyline. This will definitely help me and many others! Great work man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notna Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Exactly, really helpful tutorial, it's going to help me as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Technique Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share Posted January 6, 2013 Thanks guys, a lot of thought is being put into this. I'm thinking about adding one more category of questions called MONEY. Also, while designing, don't try to answer all the questions in one mission as an introduction.. it's better to explain the character during the storyline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zizo008 Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 (edited) Some might disagree because since people are often reading text for the character dialogue, they are not hearing any voices, so they have to use their imagination for what these characters sound like and feel like at that moment in time. V7 will sort of change that for me since I hope to get into voice acting My Resident Evil 4 MP disagrees with you Doublepulse Too lazy to play? Just watch: How about that! Kidding Edited January 6, 2013 by Zizo008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Card Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Nice tutorial. Hopefully this will be used often as it should broaden the idea of character building. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Odyssey Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Starting on a mission pack too. I will definitely take note of this, thanks man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doublepulse Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Some might disagree because since people are often reading text for the character dialogue, they are not hearing any voices, so they have to use their imagination for what these characters sound like and feel like at that moment in time. V7 will sort of change that for me since I hope to get into voice acting My Resident Evil 4 MP disagrees with you Doublepulse Too lazy to play? Just watch: How about that! Kidding That must of been a lot of work, Zizo . I only skipped bits and pieces because I don't wanna spoil too much, since I'm still going to play Ch.3 myself. But yea, I mean I don't think it really disagrees with me because I am going to be trying the the same thing soon. What I meant is the voice acting defeats some of the "imagination" of thinking the voices yourself. But it still makes it much easier to read the characters emotions . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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