BackQuestions to ask your character

When you start to create a character for any role-playing scenario, there are some important questions you must ask your character.

Think of the character-generation process as creating the story of your character's life, moulding their mind and their body, from birth to the present day. Think of your own life - what made you the person you are today? Similar things apply to your character.

Also, run through your character's history, and try to include in your mind some particularly crucial incidents which makes him or her the person they are today:- childhood events, first day at school, losing his/her virginity, scenes with family and friends. It doesn't matter if any of this comes out in the game - although this can add interest and real emotional pathos - but it is important in getting the character's mindset established in your own head.

Now we will run through important questions for your character - from the obvious to the oblique:

General Characteristics

Name - Victorians did have some peculiar names (like Arbuthnot or Ebenezer), and they were at the height of oddity during this period. Try to make it convincingly Victorian without being silly.

Age

Gender - this has great implications for how you must act both in society and in private.

Marital Status - remember, it is unusal not to be married, after a certain age, in this period.

Nationality, and Ethnic Origin - most characters will of course be English. However, Britain by now has a far-flung Empire. Many men, particularly those who have travelled, have native servants. There are also travellers and visitors from Europe, though mostly amongst the rich.

Physical Appearance - height, weight, hair colour etc, how the person likes to dress, any accessories. The richer you are, the more elaborate your dress, and the bigger your wardrobe.

 

The following are just some questions I have randomly thought up to help you think more about the character. You don't have to have the answers to them all - it's not a test. They will just help you get to know your character.

Family Background

  • What is your class/social position in society?
  • What did your parents do?
  • What was your relationship with them?
  • Do you have brothers/sisters?
  • How was your childhood?
  • What education did you have (if any formal)?

Psychology

  • What motivates you?
  • What are your ambitions?
  • What do you want most in the world?
  • Where is your favourite place?
  • What do you most like to do?
  • Do you have a sweetheart?
  • Who are your best friends?
  • What kind of person are you?
  • What do you enjoy?
  • What do you hate?
  • What makes you angry?
  • What beliefs do you hold?
  • What is your view of the world?

Social

  • How do you earn a living?
  • Where do you live?
  • What assets do you own?
  • Do you ride?
  • Do you play a musical instrument? (points in Music skill)
  • Do you have any pets?
  • What is your position in society?
  • How do other people perceive you?

These are just a few questions, but hopefully they will start you thinking about your character.

 

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