Who are you?

Having looked at one of the requests for video subject content I’ve decided to attempt to tackle the mammoth task that is character creation, I’m sure there are other methods of doing things bar the steps I take but if my sharing helps or explains anything then we've gotten somewhere with this post.

First off with the character creation I think you have to look at the event you’re going to and its style. Might sound like a no brainer but it's something to consider, an elf in a Victorian style horror larp probably wouldn't be wise. But situation plays a part in the history of your character. Most systems are relatively free in your background as long as you don't expect special treatment due to it. So those who desire to play a noble remember that it's up to other characters how much they acknowledge your authority.

I find the first thing to look at is what theme would I like my character to have if any. I've role-played as a Viking, a gentleman thief and a Japanese noble. Those themes we're the building block I started from and worked upwards. Personality tends to begin to come in at this point, how I expect the character to act, how they are in general interaction. This I find is an ongoing process as its pretty organic, as in real life experience defines and moulds us. I'd say half of any of my characters personality change and develop as I continue. To aid the personality of your characters I think a good old think about developing parts of your own persona and exaggerating parts you want your character to embody further. For being a Viking I look at the rowdy parts of my nature and multiply it. Why aim at traits you already have when your partaking in escapism? Well my reasoning starts with its easier to start with what you know and it aids the transition between the real life you and your character. But also I think we have desires about who we should be and what we'd like to be, we criticise our own selves and see places we would want improved or changed. Larp allows for that, you can be the braver, more charming person or you can explore the darker parts if you desire, it’s like having any form of personality barrier removed and you can become a role you thought too inappropriate for every day dealings. Cool huh?

Once you've come up with a skeleton of a personality a thing you’ll flesh out as you go along I would think. I find the voice comes next, sometimes it’s your own but I find I invest more into the character if I change my voice, seems to become more of a diverge from the original you. Unless you like role-playing yourself where I guess this is mainly a pointless post. Make it so the voice is easy to maintain, a weekend of a raspy deep voice plays murder on your vocal cords believe me. I find once you have all this together History comes about, some would say history is more important, it defines your personality and sure it does, I think when you start a character you've kind of got a background already thought up or at least an idea. The reason I leave it until last is well, your history should suit the character and so making the persona and voice I think its easier to write the history. If my character acts snobbish there’s probably a background that reflects that. I think you either start one way or the other but I find a main point to be is it all happens together as an ongoing process to say one starts before or after another is a little too hard to call.

Well I think that about covers creating the character at first. The rest kind of develops as you play the character. I will however leave you with a few tips. And feel free to comment and tell me how you make your characters as I know there’s no universal method.
Don't isolate yourself. Characters that are unfriendly should at least have a few friends at an event or it could be a long one.

Just go for it and don't take yourself too seriously. People will banter with your character so don't get too upset when people mock you in character, as it is well just in character.

Mocking people’s characters? Don't push it too far nobody likes being goaded too much.

Don't be too untrustworthy, like in real life being antagonistic or too chaotic does tend to leave you high and dry when you need allies.

Just have fun, act how you want to act but remember all actions have consequences.

Peace,
Gin
Larp it Up team