Intermediate Lesson 2: Character Development

[Wicked Sama]

Intermediate Lesson 2: Character Development

So, in the beginners lessons, you learned how to create a character. We're a step beyond that now. You know how to create characters, pick names, etc. But now you want to learn how to make your character more unique, more personal, more developed. Right? You all know what kind of characters I am talking about. Take Octo Badg's bay mare, Badger, for example. She is a flat out bitch, with quick wit and a vocabulary list that doesn't include fear. She's fought stallions and mares alike, and conjures up evil plots like there is no tomorrow. When you read in character posts with Badger, you're instantly drawn to the unique complexity with which Octo Badg writes about her. “I want to write like that,” you say to yourself, “But I don't know how!” Well, this lesson will hopefully help you out.

The best writers are those that are deeply in tune with their characters. A great way to start is to think of your character's past. Do they come from a dark family, with power-hungry stallions and evil, conniving mares? Or was their foalhood pleasant enough, with hours spent frolicking in the meadows with siblings? History will play a huge part on your character's mentality, so take some time, get creative, and think one up. Add it to your logs if you'd like, so you may keep referring back to it as your character develops further.

Don't get frustrated if your character doesn't instantly work out the way you want. With time and practice, you will get much closer to your character. As you roleplay, try to thrown them into as many different plots as possible. When faced with the unusual, you will discover sides of your character that you never knew existed before.

Example: Your character is a dark, sullen mare, always slinking about in the shadows, never truly involved with the happy affairs of the other horses. But one day she stumbles upon an abandoned foal. The newborn did nothing to harm her, and has nothing but fear and innocence in its wide eyes.

What would she do here? Maybe she looks after the foal, and you discover that you mare might be withdrawn and antisocial, but she has a soft spot for foals. Every plot will help you develop you character in one way or another.

As the years pass and your character ages, you will come to grow closer and closer to them, until you know their thoughts like the back of your own hand. You won't have to wonder, “What would they say to that? What would they do in this situation?” You'll know instantly, and won't have any doubts. This comes with time, but if you are dedicated and really strive to get close to your characters, you will surely reap the benefits.

Happy Roleplaying!