Developing an Interesting, Memorable Character

[The Crimson Magician]

Hello.

I created this thread to see what the residents of EfU:A think makes[/u][/i] an interesting, memorable character.

Personally, I feel that it's in fact very difficult to create such a character, and requires much preparation.

Most of the characters I've played, I think have not been interesting, or memorable. Thus, I [And maybe those like me(?)] come to you with an inquiry about what you think makes an interesting, memorable character.

[Tankerman]

Preparation? Eh. If you're apping.
 
Flexibility.
Having a personality.
Realism.
A developing story.
 
EDIT: And not least:
Humility (mainly as a player), and being able to cope with and handle a gradual change of your character and his personality as you progress in power, find allies, and have events happen to you.

[TheImpossibleDream]

EDIT: And not least:
Not being too damned full of yourself at level 2.
Nothing that ruins my impression of a good concept like someone who goes on about how great they are at level 2, or 3, or 4, after they just got their asses kicked by kobolds.

This kind of attitude encourages the "don't be bad ass until level 20" mentality and I strongly disapprove of it. Characters who suddenly become hard men after level 6 aren't too impressive. Dakarai a character of mine whom went on to be greatly feared was exactly the same at level 2 as he was at level 9!

Back on topic

Characters aren't created memorable. They're played in a memorable way. There is no recipe for creating a memorable character. It just happens if you play any character and do great things.

Oh and as far as I'm concerned what MAKES a memorable character is somebody who can get people involved. Never shys away from conflict and just makes things fun for everybody involved all the time.

[Tankerman]

There is the concept of "gradual improvement". I think you've heard of it. Nobody is badass at character creation. "Levels" is a way to reflect this, and just playing a character that doesn't change no matter how powerful or weak she is, is just static and entirely uninteresting to me.
 
But I editted into something more reflecting the sentiment I wished to convey.

[derfo]

I don't think a memorable character always has to be a successful character.

I remember a lot of characters that failed early on that were pretty awesome, and going out with that oomph may have been that much more appealing then getting stale and searching for a finish.

In fact, I'd say I remember such quirky characters a lot more. Those are the ones that do risky interesting things regardless or level or their mechanical prowess consistently because that is what their character would do.

[Tankerman]

I think you're both way too focused on the mechanical aspect of what I said. Nevermind, back on topic.

[Iron Oligarch]

What makes a character truly memorable is not any innate quality of the character itself, but in how much they involve other characters in their story. The character who is connected to many other PCs by RP, be they allies, enemies, bystanders or something else entirely, will be remembered for their actions by the rest of the playerbase and quite possibly be remembered longer than they live.

[Talir]

A part of all great characters, and an important one at that, is that they have clear visible goals that they intend to achieve (some goals are also more subtle). No matter what happens or what setbacks are had, they continously strive towards those goals. From resurrecting Myrkul to rule of a city, from being the most famous hero to the most infamous villain; everyone have their dreams that they want to come true. So is it with your characters. That is a part of what defines them.

[Meldread]

To me what creates an interesting character is not necessarily what creates a memorable character.  Those two things are separate.  

An interesting character merely is different and breaks out of the standard mold.  I love interesting characters, but sometimes being unique can also result in being eventually forgotten due to a lack of importance.  (In short:  such characters are unique.)

What makes a memorable character is largely based upon the player.  These types of characters are crafted from the beginning, they have goals that are designed to involve others.  The more people they involve the better.  A memorable character is a character that impacts and influences everyone directly or indirectly, and ultimately such a character leaves a significant mark on the server.

The easiest way to create a memorable character is to create goals that are designed to involve others and do large and significant things even if you think you'll be unsuccessful at them.  (Not being afraid of failure is very important.)  The easiest way to create an interesting character is to look at what has been played in the past, and take your own spin on it.  

I love both types of characters.

[9lives]

Quiet loners.

[VanillaPudding]

What makes a character truly memorable is not any innate quality of the character itself, but in how much they involve other characters in their story. The character who is connected to many other PCs by RP, be they allies, enemies, bystanders or something else entirely, will be remembered for their actions by the rest of the playerbase and quite possibly be remembered longer than they live.

This is probably about the best you'll get for such a broad question. It all really comes down to providing for the community in a big way, whether you're the asshole character they all want to shank or the pillar of hope they look to for defense. No one, NO ONE, will ever make this type of character every time, at least in my opinion, so there is also a bit of luck involved with the situations that come up in game.

[VanillaPudding]

Quiet loners.

I wish you would share your success story with everyone Ninelives. I'm sure everyone will be inspired to hear about how you got where you are today.

[AKMatt]

I think having a sweet name like Aleczumberzeil te Esoterotept helps a lot.

[Gippy]

Consistency of character values in the face of oposition and success in portraying those character values to other players and DMs. You had one PC I remember, your rebellious dude, who was distinct in his values, and while I was a player at that time and probably going to snuff out your candle when I found you so I never interacted with your PC, I do remember him.

Strong values are huge. I may remember the knight that charged the dragon to save the damsel but got eaten more then I'll remember the PC that says he is a knight, talks like a knight, but never does anything knightly (I understand some this is opportunity.) Have character traits, honor, virtue, cowardice, etc and reveal them to other players, and show those players you play them even when it is inconvenient. What player that played with GLORRY GLUMGAR could forget the morose six cha half-Orc coward w/ teddybear that needed eagles splendor cast on him before he would lift up his sword and crush stuff. He stuck to this so well it was staggering. Rats would almost kill me because Gorry could not deal with them. You do not have to be min-maxed, but play your character traits in a revealing way, and stick to them when the going gets tough. If you overcome, you'll be a hero, and if you fail spectacularily atleast you may be remembered.

[9lives]

I wish you would share your success story with everyone Ninelives. I'm sure everyone will be inspired to hear about how you got where you are today.

Mad IRC skills.