[quote=@CourierSix]
So, I have an idea for a to-be antagonistic character who essentially becomes the leader of a decently-sized settlement. That's all I have set in stone. I may have him become power hungry and set out on an imperialistic conquest of the desolate world, or have him see it as his duty to rebuild society by any means necessary. Possibly even just make him an absolute jerk who wants nothing more than to scare people into doing what he wants, I dunno. Some outside opinions, suggestions, and etcetera would be welcomed with open arms, though.
[/quote]

Imperialistic conquest would make for more violence and would make other people have to be more cautious because "That guy and his rag-tag mafia goons are out there." Which is fun, but not for long. I like the "I must rebuild by any means necessary" thing, because we can improve our chances by staying away from his private resort. The "I am a huge jerk" guy isn't going to last very long: people won't stay with him if they don't like him and don't need him. He has to be necessary, so I see three ways:
1. He's a dictator, and no one is allowed to leave because he has the biggest guns and toughest buddies. People only come to him because he has a lot of stuff. He actively attacks and steals from survivors.
2. He's a smooth talker, and people stay because they have faith in him, when he's really just power hungry. Everything is "For the collective good." He actively convinces survivors to join him and share supplies in exchange for safety.
3. He's a wise old man, and people stay because they like him and he knows how to survive and rebuild, when he's secretly bitter about whatever. Everything is "Because I know best." He actively seeks control of survivors for...I don't know why.

et cetera is two words by the way.