Fw: [Endeavour-A] OCC: Jefferies Tube #4

This is part of a message I was sent about character development by Commander Moehr USS Endeavour-A. It has quite a bit of useful info.
----- Original Message ----- From: Ralf White
To: USS Endeavour-A
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 11:37 PM
Subject: [Endeavour-A] OCC: Jefferies Tube #4

Jefferies tube #4, Refining Your Character
I was recently asked for suggestions on how to make a PC (Player-Character) more interesting. This is a good question with several answers. I think the difference between an interesting PC vs. a bland PC, is the ability to make the reader "care" about the character. Some characters are played so basically and infrequently, that they almost become "cardboard cut-outs". Several things can prevent this and make your PC become substantial in the sim.
Color your character. Don't just state what your PC did. Tell how they did it, or how fast they did it, whom they did it with, how they felt about doing it, when they did it, and even why they did it. These little pieces of information add depth to the PC, and give the readers insight into your PCs personality.
 
1.) Frequency: Post at least once a week, and play your role in as much detail as practical.
2.) Coherency: Make your character's behavior consistent, with an only few surprises to keep the readers interest. Your PC should behave in a consistent manner when exposed to various stimuli. Unless there are extreme circumstances, personalities don't change that much over time.
3.) Delve into your PC's feelings: Largely an unexploited area of simming... this alone does more to make an interesting PC than any other investment of time and effort.
4.) Dole out a little personal history. Your PC wasn't born yesterday... and anyone's actions are largely conditioned by past experiences and training. Occasionally explain why your character behaved in a certain fashion. Have the PC occasionally recall something relative from his/her past.
5.) Brainwaves: Share what your character is thinking during actions.
Don't just stand there: If there is little for your character to do, don't sit it out and wait for the GM/Scripter to write you into the story. Look over the **action** and other players posts to find somewhere to interject your PC into the story line. Actively look for something to do, even if it's a trip to the holodeck or 10-forward for recreation. If at a total loss for something to do, send a quick personal note (not through the list-server) to the GM and let him know you are unemployed.
6.) Have an agenda. Like most people, your PC should have a goal or two in life to struggle towards. Let them be known occasionally, and don't forget to indicate any progress the PC makes in that pursuit.
7. Pastimes: You probably have hobby (unless your dead, but even holograms have to do something to pass the time :)...so let your PC have one too. Mention it/let the PC practice it occasionally and think/talk about it once in a while.
 Transmission Ended...Lieutenant Commander Gareth MoehrEcecutive OfficerUSS Endeavor-ASimply the best of FSG Simulations
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