Level Up.pdf

Creating Characters
If your game character is defined by a profession or activity, then make
sure that the majority of the activities they do are related to that profession
or activity. For example, if your player character is a demolitions expert,
they aren ’ t going to negotiate their way into a prison level to free their pal.
They are going to BLOW IT UP! Heck, they may even blow up a door
rather than turn the knob. When we were creating Maximo, we decided
that he was an impatient guy, always in a hurry to rescue the princess
or get into a fight. He didn ’ t even stop to open a treasure chest; he just
kicked it open, collected the treasure, and went on his way. If you start
with your character ’ s personality you will end up with some interesting
animations and gameplay. Remember, characters have many
motivations: success, revenge, love, acceptance, escape, hunger,
responsibility, knowledge. Many characters have more than one; often
conflicting motivations. Knowing their motivations will help you determine
what your character will do and say. The result will be a much richer
character.
Speaking of character, just like giving
your game the right title is important, it is
equally important to name your character
correctly. Would you name a strapping
barbarian hero Mortimer? Only if your
hero is a parody or it ’ s a comedy game.
Names carry great weight. It is important
to give your character the right name.
Baby books are a great place to start. I
like names that have some significance
to the character ’ s personality or what
their occupation is. Star Wars has some
of the best names. What does the name
Luke Skywalker tell you about the
character? Luke feels like a simple,
homespun name fitting for a farm boy
who yearns to “ walk among the stars 12 . ”
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It ’ s also fun to have characters ’ names juxtapose each other. Two of my
favorite character names are from When Harry Met Sally. Billy Crystal ’ s
character is named Harry Burns — a curmudgeonly, burned out name if ever
there was one. Meg Ryan ’ s character is Sally Allbright. She ’ s positive,
romantic, and a little na ï ve. While these names are pretty blatantly obvious,
they give you a quick snapshot of the character ’ s personality.
12 Did you know that Luke Skywalker ’ s original name was Luke Starkiller? This name change
provides a great lesson: never give your character a name that gives away the ending of your
story!