In this topic, I would like to hear from the veterans about how they came about to make "really memorable" characters (in their opinion) and what advice they can give to others. There is a lot of advice on how to make good characters, but what about the real best?

Okay, avoiding being arrogant and boasting about Frelt, i'll talk about the other memorable characters he had time to bask in the glory of.

First up, the personality. This really makes a person. Although you won't get famous for it (well, some people will) It really helps give it that edge. Who remembers Morgan Maddocks, the teenage drunkard? Mandarin Dreagle, the crazy, ooze worshipper? I personally only remember a very select few PC councillors, and have forgotten the rest.

Next up, achievements. To get your character noticed, you have to do something Epic. Don't do something Epic to get your characters noticed though. If you character is a very enclosed, mysterious sort (Rau Razvanul), don't go join the council so people will know who you are. Rau, for example, was remembered for the rumours about him and the mystery. Don't be afraid to very politley ask the DMs if you have an idea for your character (like he want's to subscribe Goblins into his evil army of killing stuff), and if it's reasonable and they're not busy, most of the time they'll help you out through it. Think Breen.

Thirdly, Applications. Don't let these stop you. If you have an apped character, you are often going to be a lot more Epic, but not always. Zau, Squeagle, Shane. Very well known App characters. Dreagle, Breen, Maddocks, very well know none App characters. So if you want to be well known, you don't always have to make that App for the Matron Mother of Traensyr so you can destroy Sanctuary and EVERYONE will know you. Try the goblin idea as a human who was raised by them!

And remember: Choose unique clothing, to really set you apart!

Hope this helped, sorry i haven't talked about the most famous character of all, but that would be called boasting :(

a certain tendancy or like can go a far way, Frubo was known by his friends for his tendency's to burn the spectators of a arena battle as well as flinging fireballs when the occassion called for it.

Although not really famous, Rissi did once walk into a pair that were arguing whether or not it was "Rissi the invincible" or "Rissi the magnificent". He just does what hes good at, sneaks

I'll gloat.

Ivandur was memorable (To those who are still around when he was) because he was a unique character in this setting. That's the first thing that set him apart. He was also proactive. People might know a character when that character is still alive, but they'll forget it as soon as the character passes if they did nothing critical in EfU.

Secondly, it's quirks. Interesting ones that raise questions and people will remember the character by. Playing the harmonica, a shaking hand, talking to a pet rock, a penchant for riddles.

So if you want a memorable character, first make it a -good- character, then make it an active one that accomplishes something that will have a lasting affect, then for the final touches, give it an air of mystery or just toss in a few interesting quirks.

Ideally, if you want to be remembered, you should play a character who doesn't get along with everyone, all the time.

Get in arguments, insult people, stick to your character and do what he'd do, regardless of whether he gets hurt for it or not.

People will remember their enemies a lot more readily than their friends, just out of necessity.

Don't let yourself slip into a typical roll where you never talk to anyone and never do anything.

Also, it doesn't hurt to pimp your character on IRC

The key to a memorable character is being me.

Aside from that, never be afraid to be different, push the bar, raise the envelope, make nonsequiters, and has anybody here seen Desperate Housewives?

Who've you played Lovethesuit?

Anyway, if you want advise on anything related to the game. Find a player who you respect, and ask them for their opinion. Especially if they are accomplishing something you want to accomplish.

I recall how I had a hell of a time playing funny or entertaining characters until I went to Combs and specifically asked him for advise on how he managed to play characters that frequently had me laughing out loud.

I'm not really sure if this is something a player should be worried about, as several amazing characters I've known receive little praise by others over these forums or IRC. What difference is there between a good character then, and a truly great, and memorable character? Probably the amount the player brags endlessly about him or her (see Inquisitor's post). In all honesty, just play a character as he is envisioned upon creation (quirks, unique traits, personality flaws, etc). Post some stuff (screenshots help a lot) about how amazing he is and maybe others will catch on...

Cause some chaos and conflict, but don't be an asshole!

My experience is if you make a character that's outgoing enough to involve a lot of people (in a good or bad way) and has a tinge of secrecy to him, then you've got someone that people want to learn more about.

As for being remembered by a great amount of people, you should do something great. Nobody remembers a great guy for being a great guy, but for the great things he did. Make friends, assess a situation (or maybe not) and execute a plan that will involve a lot of people.

Despite what a lot of people might say or think, I'm definately not a "veteran", but I did have one pretty successful character. On Genevis alone can I place any authority on my words, and through him I was able to reach TONS of other players and characters, which I observed. Truly, I walked among the giants.

First off, characters can be memorable for a hundred different reasons. Pick a good one!

In Genevis' case, I made huge efforts to meet as many people as I could and try and build an aura of being larger than life, the air that most politicians try to carry.

In the case of Zau for instance, he made an impact on scores of people- make a note here, Zau DID kill a lot of people, but he seemed to resort more often towards extorting people with death threats, gathering cronies, and even just scare tactics. In short he affected a lot of people.

Another good character, Ivandur Reynolt. He spoke with lot of people, made bold statements, and tried to convince everyone that he was right (and for the most part, he was).

Another player, Rilo Manasi, sat around his two favorite drinking holes and got to know a rediculous amount of people it seems. While outcrowd1 didn't get to play a whole lot (if I recall), he made lots of efforts to just meet people.

Darth Delgado- outspoken arm of wraith for the Spellguard, deals VERY frequently with spellcasters of Sanctuary.

Mylin & Collier- helped found the major center of Good players.

Danael Royce- made a ruckus with a big posse in front of most of the city many many times.

By now, I hope you see the pattern. If "being remembered" is what your character goal is (more on this in a moment), then MEETING people, even on hostile terms, is the way to do it. The Council is a great way to be in that position.

Last notes: -You will almost never be remembered by your character sheet, with a slight effect from Charisma. But you can still be known with low charisma, certainly. You might not have a plethora of friends, but refer back to Zau. You don't need them to be well known.

-Being remembered is a character goal, and it's certainly a good one, but there are other goals. Don't be trapped by it, and don't think it's a requirement for a good story.

-Some people are more famous for OOC reasons. Breen, in his final days, was like this. He may not have literally been known by name by most, but his deeds affected scores of people. So kind of, he did.

FINAL NOTE: It's easier to be known when your character is around a while. Anyways, I hope this helps.

The key to a memorable character is just to get into it fast, and stay the course. Don't cut and run, stick with the plan-and your character will be memorable.

Conflict. You have to cause conflict. One side or another you have to be willing to put your character in harms way and involve other players.

Longevity is another key. You have to stick with a character for a long time so that people A.) get to know them and B.) they have time to engage in the story that you've written for them.

In my opinion being memorable should not really be a goal. Create a character concept that you enjoy playing and stick to it. I know I have much more fun that way. Personally I noticed the characters I created with an eye toward being 'great' or 'powerful' (the two quickest ways to become memorable that I know of) accomplished far less than the characters I created around a concept. -dholt5

Down with Longevity!

Seriously though- longevity isn't needed. Plenty of great characters out there who only lasted a few weeks!

>_>

<_<

All of which were Caddies'

to be honest, I think any PC that has personality and is a pleasure to RP with is memorable. They may not be famous in Sanctuary, but if your character sees them and is drawn to saying hello (or abusing them, either way) and engaging with them - thats a good sign the player is doing something right.

This is going quite well - just wanted to make clear that I hope this post will benefit far more people than just me (that was my initial intent)

Keep the ideas coming ! :)