Compelling Characters (#RPGaDay2024.14)

When it comes to tabletop roleplaying, characters are the heart and soul of the experience. Today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt is “Compelling characters,” which means we’re diving into the art of crafting characters that are more than just stats on a sheet. We’re talking about the kind of characters that stick with you long after the session ends—the ones that drive the story, create memorable moments, and make the game truly come alive. So, let’s explore some genre-neutral and system-agnostic tips to help you and your players create characters that are as compelling as they are unforgettable.

Start with Motivations, Not Just Backstory

It’s easy to get caught up in crafting a detailed backstory, but a compelling character is more than just a list of past events. What makes a character truly interesting is their motivation—what they want, what they’re willing to do to get it, and why it matters to them.

Ask yourself: What drives this character? Are they searching for redemption? Chasing a dream? Trying to escape a dark past? A character’s motivation should be the engine that powers their decisions and actions throughout the game. Without it, even the most intricate backstory can fall flat.

For example, a rogue who grew up on the streets and learned to steal to survive is a decent backstory, but it’s their motivation—say, the desire to protect their found family from the same fate—that makes them compelling. It’s what they’re striving for that will keep the player invested and the character dynamic.

Flaws and Contradictions Make Characters Real

Perfect characters are boring. A compelling character should have flaws, weaknesses, and contradictions that make them feel real and relatable. It’s the gaps in a character’s armor that often lead to the most interesting stories and conflicts.

Consider a noble paladin who struggles with anger or a brilliant wizard who has a crippling fear of failure. These flaws add depth and give the character room to grow—or to fail spectacularly, which can be just as compelling. Don’t be afraid to lean into the imperfections; they’re what make characters human (or elf, or orc, or whatever).

Contradictions are another powerful tool. A character might be ruthless in battle but gentle with animals, or they might present a cold, stoic exterior while secretly longing for connection. These kinds of contradictions can create tension and complexity, making the character more interesting to play and more engaging for others at the table.

Let Characters Evolve

A compelling character isn’t static—they evolve over time as they face challenges, make decisions, and experience the world around them. One of the joys of roleplaying is seeing how characters grow, change, and sometimes even surprise the players who created them.

Encourage your players to let their characters evolve. Maybe the paladin’s anger issues get worse before they get better, or perhaps the rogue’s desire to protect their family leads them down a darker path. Character development doesn’t have to be a straight line, and the best arcs often involve unexpected twists and turns.

It’s also worth noting that a character’s evolution doesn’t always have to be positive. Sometimes, the most compelling stories come from characters who make mistakes, give in to their flaws, or struggle to overcome their demons. This kind of growth—or decay—can lead to some of the most memorable moments in a campaign.

Give Players Agency

Compelling characters are those that players feel connected to, and one of the best ways to foster that connection is by giving players agency in their characters’ stories. Let players make meaningful choices that affect the game world and their characters’ lives. The more control players have over their characters’ fates, the more invested they’ll be in making those characters compelling.

This doesn’t mean the GM should hand over the reins entirely, but it’s important to strike a balance between guiding the story and letting players take the lead. Whether it’s choosing how their character responds to a moral dilemma, deciding what path to take during an adventure, or even just determining how their character interacts with the world, giving players agency helps create a sense of ownership over their characters.

Relationships Add Depth

No character exists in a vacuum, and one of the most effective ways to make a character compelling is to explore their relationships with others. Whether it’s a deep-seated rivalry, a loyal friendship, or a complicated romance, relationships add layers to a character and create opportunities for rich roleplaying moments.

Encourage players to think about how their character relates to others in the party and the wider world. Do they have a mentor they’re trying to impress? An old enemy they’re hoping to avoid? A sibling they’re searching for? These relationships can drive the story forward and give players a reason to care about what happens in the game.

Don’t Forget the Small Details

Finally, while big motivations and deep flaws are important, don’t overlook the small details that make a character feel lived-in. These can be quirks, habits, or even just preferences that add a touch of personality.

Maybe your character always hums when they’re nervous, has a penchant for collecting odd trinkets, or refuses to eat anything green. These little touches might seem insignificant, but they can make a character feel more real and relatable. Plus, they often lead to unexpected and delightful roleplaying moments.

Final Thoughts

Creating compelling characters isn’t about crafting the perfect hero or the most tragic backstory—it’s about making characters that feel real, dynamic, and worth caring about. By focusing on motivations, embracing flaws, allowing for evolution, and fostering relationships, you can help your players create characters that are not just interesting on paper but unforgettable in play. So, the next time you sit down to create a character, remember: it’s the imperfections, contradictions, and connections that make them compelling. After all, that’s what keeps us coming back to the table, ready to see what happens next.