The Root of Character Growth

Wondering what I’m writing about and why the recent posts are rather random? Check out challenging all comers.

Characters grow like branches of a tree. They start out as a singular thought, are planted, cared for, and grow fast.

The Sunlight of your Imagination

The more time you spend with a character, the more it grows. I’ve spent hours fine-tuning a character, coming up with a back-story, and explaining why my min/maxing totally fits the character. Those characters have always grown into a life of their own. Spending time on in-character fiction, drawings, and mannerisms helps root a character in your mind.

Speak to your Character

Almost every character I play gets an accent or manner of talking that becomes integral to the character. Be it with made up words, attempting a very bad southern drawl, or just changing my vocal inflection, the more I speak as my character, the more life I breathe into it. Using this device helps me shine light on my character’s inner voice and bring it out into the sunlight.

Grow from your Tips

Ask for feedback. This is said so often that its triteness is almost palpable, but it is important. As a GM, we need to solicit feedback to make sure the game is fun, but you, my dear players, need to ask for it to. Just because you’re having a blast playing your new godless killing machine doesn’t mean everyone else is having fun playing with you. Ask them how you could improve an accent, or their opinion on a new tool to make managing your character easier. Be like bees with pollen and share tips freely and openly. It’ll help everyone grow.

What’s your best tip for growing a character? What’s really worked for you?