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This thread is an idea I've been wanting to do for awhile now. In essence, it's basically a series of threads discussing various aspects of characters so we can all help ourselves improve our writing. This is the first chapter in what I hope to be many. I really enjoy character-driven RPs, and I'd say I'm experienced in the matter doing these kinds of Roleplays for awhile.

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Character [b]Progression[/b] and[b] Development[/b], we see it all the time in our favorite TV-shows, anime, and videogames (Well, at least I hope we do lol). They are two things that we transplant into roleplaying with our own characters, but are we really doing it right?

For example, the definition of both terms:

[indent][indent]■ Character Development: Creating a believable character by giving them a wide variety of personality traits, thus giving them depth, and realism (Example: Guts from Berserk, the extended cast of The Office).[/indent][/indent]

[indent][indent]■ Character Progression: The change a character can go through over the course of a story. [/indent][/indent]

Of [i]course,[/i] both of these are subjective, and I've seen plenty of people say "Development" when they mean Progression (But, never the other way around). A lot of people boast about how their characters are well developed, or how much they've progressed, but is it in a good way? I've seen some... questionable character development in my time, but I hope to give people a better idea.


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Now, the difference between writing and roleplaying comes simply when you consider that you're basically writing an interactive story with other people. I would never call a Roleplayer a writer unless they write stories on the side or books, or something. But, my point being is that, functionally, characters in roleplays are first introduced to other Roleplayers (Or the reader) through character sheets. This comes in two forms: people who essentially show everything about their character in sheets, and people who try to show their character in the IC (This mostly shows up in high casual/advance RPs, but w/e).

However, they aren't the only two extremes. There is a middle-ground, where people give enough information in their sheets to give people an idea of their character, but also leave enough room for their character to be fleshed out on the IC. The reason for this is the age old "show don't tell" writing rule. In essence, writing a character sheet is pretty much telling their personality/past, and not exactly showing it - which isn't bad in and of itself if you just treat your character sheets as "guidelines."

The big problem here is that showing character is... difficult in-character. Unlike writing a book where everything is far more planned out, and tailor made, shall I say. In Roleplays, on the other hand, things aren't exactly as planned out. In more character driven roleplays, where the plot revolves around the characters, this is far easier, but in the opposite... it goes without saying, really.

Even in character driven Roleplays, it can also be hard because of a variety of factors - mainly being how you develop your characters (and situations to do it). It may be hard to find the right situation to actually . Now, this is something I've seen a lot of, but [b][u]doing whatever isn't good character development. It's doing just that; whatever.[/u][/b] I see this a lot in roleplays I [s]stalk[/s] read about romances/friendships/whatever, but going to the carnival and winning a prize for your homie or significant other is just building relationships with other characters (which is a subject I'll save for a future installment).

Real character development would be uncovering meaningful things about your characters such as tidbits of their past, just displaying more about their personality and motives (Again, not things like "I like the color green"), and adding more depth to their existing motives. What character development isn't is suddenly revealing something that totally doesn't mesh well with the rest of their established character ("Nice, and chipper, Stella turns out to had her family killed right before their eyes with little to no indication!"). It makes the character feel contrived, and not planned out even in the slightest. I see this a lot with people who insist on revealing their character's past in the IC - nine times out of ten, they were just too lazy to come up with a good backstory. Foreshadowing is the key.

A lot of characterizations I've seen is subconsciously affected by the desire to make their character liked by the readers (or even other characters lol) - mostly the asshole characters. Which is why I see so many characters with such harsh personalities with "softsides," and "are nice when you get to know them." That isn't good character writing even in the slightest, I'm sorry. It's not really giving a character a good redeeming feature, it's basically putting tape over a leaking dam to hide the damage - in addition, it doesn't even guarantee that they'll be "likable."

This is starting to sound like a guide. lol

The key to character development [i]is[/i] making your character feel like a real person through showing their personality traits/past/etc, making sure they are are believable (and not artificial), and making sure your character has flaws and weaknesses that are explained by the rest of their character.


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Ahh... Character progression. Character development's more attractive sister.

It's not quite the opposite of character development, but something that instead supplements it; the change a character can go through in a story. Which I think is challenging, but more rewarding to overly attentive such as myself. It can be subtle, to overt. This is the most dependent on the events that have taken place in the RP. Ideally, most characters shouldn't act the same as they did when they were first introduced, and even if it's subtle, it can be noticeable to people who have been paying attention to your character.

This can be an idealistic character being hardened by the world, a brash and headstrong dude or dudette learning humility and patience, or an alpha-bitch becoming nicer (Again out of everyone's need to have a character liked). Those are the obvious/cliche (but not bad) examples of character development. Another way you can do it is... tough to explain, to say the least. The character becoming gradually more complex such as implementing things they've learned from their journey, and more of making your character's progression reactive rather than proactive (I.E Try not to make it too obvious which direction they're going to go).

Now, there is a vast difference between actual character progression, and inconsistently writing someone's character whenever it's convenient to. Character progression should feel like a natural course for their character, not like something spontaneous. The key here is consistency! Again, it might be a little difficult depending on the RP, but any RP can fit in some character progression long as your character isn't a hunk of wood with a gun taped to it.

There isn't too much to say about this matter, other than the fact it probably requires a long running RP with a focus on characters.


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In closing... I probably made this sound like a guide rather than my thoughts on these two subjects. Whatever, the purpose of this thread, and these two subjects is to give everyone a different look at things, and something to think about when they write their next character sheet. Allow me to present a few things to discuss:

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■ What is your definition of good character development/progression? Does it differ from mine?

■ Provide a few examples of a "well developed" character sheet, or a character that has progressed a lot from when you first wrote it.

■ Provide critique on other people's characters.
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Give me your thoughts on this thread, too. No, really. I was wracking my brains out for a door rephrasing entire sections because it felt like I was writing a guide rather than a discussion thread.

Next up: Either how much a Character Relationship's can shape their story, or a discussion on how a character's morality/philosophy and their differences from others plays a part!