Characters I’ve Made
Here are examples of NPCs to demonstrate my character creation skills as well as my admiration for characters in games. This first one is from an existing game, Neon White.
Neon Pink
Story & gameplay genres
First person shooter, puzzle-platforming, satirically religious, urban fiction, contains comedic elements, contains romantic elements
The player's fantasy/experience
The player fantasy of Neon White is to become a physics-defying gunslinger from hell set loose in a heavenly obstacle course. Playing as a Neon, a sinner who is taken from Hell in an annual competition to eliminate demons in Heaven for a chance to stay in ‘paradise’. The avatar is the titular character named White, who used to be part of a group of assassins (along with Red, Yellow, and Violet) when he was alive before the events of the game take place. Between levels, players can interact with the NPCs in the hub world of Heaven, as well as completing challenge missions by ranking up the other Neons (Red, Yellow, and Violet), players can strengthen their relationship with the NPCs during this section of the game, although the game always ends with a specific Neon.
How does this character fit within the established framework of the game/world you have chosen?
Being another Neon, he would be a cohort of White’s that was also part of the group of assassins before their deaths. White has hinted in the game of leaning towards being bisexual, referencing the attractiveness of another male character in the game, so this new NPC could be an old lover of White’s that’s also trying to make it out of Hell and into Heaven like the other Neons, referencing their romantic yet complicated past together as the game progresses through the challenge missions like Red’s, Yellow’s, and Violet’s.
NPC’s Age
26
Gender ID, racial ID, sexual ID
Male, pale white skin like the other Neons, bisexual
Three personality traits, two positive and one negative
Genuine, Selfless, and Aloof
What does this character want?
To guarantee the other Neon’s safety from the game’s antagonists, prioritizing their well-being over his own through any means necessary. As well as tying up the loose ends on his and White’s relationship, which entail the lingering feelings they have with one another. White had difficulty embracing his bisexuality and ended up telling Pink hurtful things because of his sexuality insecurities, causing their vague, complicated break-up. Pink doesn’t necessarily desire them to be together again, but wants to ultimately know if White likes or dislikes him (both romantically and amicably).
What will happen if the character gets what they want?
A feeling of great relief that his only friends are released from the cycle of Hell and Heaven, as well as being freed himself. Furthermore, he will get the satisfaction of knowing how his and White’s tale ends.
What will happen if the character does not get what they want?
He will feel like he failed the other Neons, making him feel weak and useless as they’re all trapped in the cycle of Hell and Heaven anew. Also, he will feel emotionally hollow and empty for the loose ends of his and White’s relationship not being tied up. He’s not a vengeful man, so he wouldn’t become an antagonist, but he will become much more quiet and depressed as the game progresses.
Dialogue:
How would this person present themselves when they walk into a room?
“...Hi. … Don’t you guys have something better to do than just standing there gawking at me?”
How would they go about getting a glass of water for someone?
*He sighs, pressing his palms firmly on his thighs as he stands up.* “Yeah, sure, whatever. Since you’re too lazy to get it yourself. … Do you want any ice?”
How would they insult somebody?
“I would call your ‘brilliant’ idea a dime-a-dozen, but that would imply it has value in the first place.”
I chose a polar bear because they are solitary animals, and I imagine his mask having horns since the male Neons have horns on their masks.
This next character is an original character from a visual novel I am currently writing.
Brooks Galloway
Story & gameplay genres
Visual novel, historical romance, romantic suspense
The player's fantasy/experience
The player fantasy of the visual novel I’m creating is to be a rising star architect defying his avaricious boss as well as stealing the heart of either a betrayed, eloquent historian or a charismatic, buoyant butler. Playing as Fletcher Daniels, an easily distracted and constantly ruminating architect, the player determines how the game progresses/ends through dialogue choices given to them as the narrative advances. Their goal is to successfully romance one of two characters, Alden the historian or Brooks the butler at the end of the game, and receive a different ending based on the choices the player made.
How does this character fit within the established framework of the game/world you have chosen?
Brooks is one of the romance options for the game, so he is crucial for the narrative in how he responds to Fletcher, Alden, and the choices the player makes when responding to him in certain dialogue exchanges. He is Alden’s playful butler, being the main source of comedic elements implemented in the game to add a sense of whimsy in the dialogue and game overall.
NPC’s Age
25
Gender ID, racial ID, sexual ID
Male, white, pansexual
Three personality traits, two positive and one negative
Enthusiastic, charming, insecure
What does this character want?
A comfortable life away from poverty for both himself and his ‘employer’ Alden, eventually for Fletcher as the game progresses. He shows this by telling the player his ‘biggest dream’ is to own a red fur coat, something he thinks is the epitome of wealth because he’s never experienced having large amounts of money.
What will happen if the character gets what they want?
He will feel much less insecure about his appearance as well as the manor he and Alden live in will not be so rundown anymore, as Alden will be able to afford more help to fix it up. Depending on the player’s choices, he will also begin dating Fletcher and buy himself a red fur coat. He will finally be satisfied with his life, and feel like he can start living. He’s not the kind of person who would let the wealth get to his head, and be humble about the wealth he obtained.
What will happen if the character does not get what they want?
He will still feel insecure about his appearance, as well as feel guilty for Alden that he can’t fix his problems. He won’t date Fletcher no matter what, seeing himself as too much of an embarrassment to be with anyone. He would be Alden’s butler as long as Alden’s alive and the manor doesn’t fall into disrepair.
Dialogue:
How would this person present themselves when they walk into a room?
A visitor?! Ooh, and a handsome one at that. My name’s Brooks. I’m the butler of Lawvine Manor. What brings you here? We weren’t expecting any company.
How would they go about making dinner for someone?
Brooks: Just like I promised, Mr. Fletcher, my breathtaking and award-winning beef stew.
Alden: And what award is that?
Brooks: The best beef stew maker in Lawvine Manor award, what else?
Alden: …
Fletcher: It looks delicious, Brooks. Thank you so much.
Brooks: My pleasure. I hope you like it as much as Lord Alden does. See, he’s already almost halfway done.
Alden: I only had one bite.
Brooks: Well, have a few more then! Enjoy it while it’s still warm.
How would they insult somebody?
Brooks: I’m afraid I don’t have an answer to either of your questions. But don’t worry, you can ask Lord Alden himself when he’s not cooped up in that damned office.
Fletcher: Oh, does he stay there often?
Brooks: More than you can imagine. Sometimes I feel like I’m in the manor all by myself, singing to the dust bunnies and broken sinks. On occasion, I have to check on him to make sure he didn’t die of starvation.
Fletcher: That sounds…unhealthy.
Brooks: You're saying that like I don’t know it. I’ve been Lord Alden’s butler for a long time, more than you’d realize. And yet…I feel like I’ve talked to spiders more than I’ve talked to him. At least they appreciate my company. Hah, sorry, didn’t mean to dampen the mood or anything.
