Comments on: Creating Interesting Characters: Characterization by Trait http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/ How to write a superhero book, comic book or superhero novel and get it published Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:23:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: L05T 80Y http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-201724 L05T 80Y Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:16:46 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-201724 try a half human, half dalek who has trouble fitting in to earth society or better yet, a full dalek that has changed its view on life try a half human, half dalek who has trouble fitting in to earth society
or better yet, a full dalek that has changed its view on life

]]> By: Shaunna http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-201668 Shaunna Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:39:14 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-201668 Hey, Um... I'm trying to make a character and i have no idea what to do for them though and i need help. (This is my first time doing anything like this) I want to make my own character to have Adventures in Doctor who (My fav tv programme) I have no idea where to begin though... Hey, Um… I’m trying to make a character and i have no idea what to do for them though and i need help. (This is my first time doing anything like this) I want to make my own character to have Adventures in Doctor who (My fav tv programme) I have no idea where to begin though…

]]> By: Peter http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-197931 Peter Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:47:17 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-197931 How is this for a character description of the moon god Khonsu based slightly on the Egyptian god. Characteristics: 1. Crazy 2. Aggressive 3. Serious Why? Because of the fact that the moon is sometimes full and sometimes half Khonsu in “New Gods” represents that. Usually as the half moon, the moon god isn’t all quite there allowing him to be slightly mad and insane whereas during the full moon he can regain his sanity. The dark side of the moon represents the fact that Khonsu has unknown feelings that he will not reveal to anyone e.g. his teammates (because he has no friends) see him as crazy and serious but honourable (this representing the bright side) whereas alone with his intended target he can be brutal, bloodthirsty and violent. What do you think? How is this for a character description of the moon god Khonsu based slightly on the Egyptian god.

Characteristics:
1. Crazy
2. Aggressive
3. Serious
Why?
Because of the fact that the moon is sometimes full and sometimes half Khonsu in “New Gods” represents that. Usually as the half moon, the moon god isn’t all quite there allowing him to be slightly mad and insane whereas during the full moon he can regain his sanity. The dark side of the moon represents the fact that Khonsu has unknown feelings that he will not reveal to anyone e.g. his teammates (because he has no friends) see him as crazy and serious but honourable (this representing the bright side) whereas alone with his intended target he can be brutal, bloodthirsty and violent.

What do you think?

]]> By: B. McKenzie http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-189765 B. McKenzie Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:31:47 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-189765 Good luck! Good luck!

]]> By: Questionmark http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-189763 Questionmark Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:30:49 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-189763 Thank you again! That helped a lot- now I'd better get back to writing! Thank you again! That helped a lot- now I’d better get back to writing!

]]> By: B. McKenzie http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-189761 B. McKenzie Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:26:44 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-189761 Well, in a military drafting situation, at least, the military isn't desperate to have any particular recruit. The main reason to come down really hard on people that resist a draft is not because those few AWOLers would be useful soldiers (they'd probably contribute to morale problems wherever they were assigned), but because letting them go would encourage other drafted soldiers to do the same. <br /> Your organization might not have a desperate need for this individual superhero* but NOT drafting her might contribute to morale issues among other drafted superheroes. She might not be individually critical, but drafted heroes as a whole might be. If people that are born with incredible superpowers feel that they are being treated badly compared to people with pathetic superpowers (i.e. "You're only drafting me because I'm useful--what about that guy?"), that could create a lot of problems. If your organization has to piss somebody off, it'd make more sense to piss off people without incredible superpowers. <br /> One way to make sure that the organization doesn't come off as too desperate for her individually would be giving her powers that are just sort of okay--powerful enough that she can plausibly make a difference on a superhero team but ideally not close to the top. <br /> *Particularly if her powers are not great and/or she isn't that ready to be a fighter and/or she's particularly unenthusiastic and/or many other potential reasons. Well, in a military drafting situation, at least, the military isn’t desperate to have any particular recruit. The main reason to come down really hard on people that resist a draft is not because those few AWOLers would be useful soldiers (they’d probably contribute to morale problems wherever they were assigned), but because letting them go would encourage other drafted soldiers to do the same.

Your organization might not have a desperate need for this individual superhero* but NOT drafting her might contribute to morale issues among other drafted superheroes. She might not be individually critical, but drafted heroes as a whole might be. If people that are born with incredible superpowers feel that they are being treated badly compared to people with pathetic superpowers (i.e. “You’re only drafting me because I’m useful–what about that guy?”), that could create a lot of problems. If your organization has to piss somebody off, it’d make more sense to piss off people without incredible superpowers.

One way to make sure that the organization doesn’t come off as too desperate for her individually would be giving her powers that are just sort of okay–powerful enough that she can plausibly make a difference on a superhero team but ideally not close to the top.

*Particularly if her powers are not great and/or she isn’t that ready to be a fighter and/or she’s particularly unenthusiastic and/or many other potential reasons.

]]> By: Questionmark http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-189756 Questionmark Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:13:08 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-189756 Thank you for all that advice! I think I'll go with number 2, that is she gets forced into joining the team. My second question is, how would I be able to show the team so desperate to get her on their team that they force her, without the girl appearing Mary Sue-ish? Thank you for all that advice! I think I’ll go with number 2, that is she gets forced into joining the team. My second question is, how would I be able to show the team so desperate to get her on their team that they force her, without the girl appearing Mary Sue-ish?

]]> By: B. McKenzie http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-189686 B. McKenzie Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:49:55 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-189686 "That is, after she gains her abilities and is approached by a crime fighting group, she turns them down out of fear and cowardice- would this make her appear selfish and unlikable?" If you've previously made her a likable and active character, I don't think this would make her seem selfish/useless. For example, if she's a somewhat relatable person that's not very violent or brave, I think we'd sympathize with her decision (particularly the character is notably selfless in other ways--Invincible's Atom Eve is a pretty extreme example that opts to do a long-term Third World service project instead). <br /> I see two main possibilities for this character: 1) She eventually changes her mind. Maybe something convinces her that it's worthwhile and that she has something to offer. <br /> 2) She gets dragged along kicking and screaming. CAUTION: If she's forced to do something she doesn't want to do, I would highly recommend doing a lot of conflict between her and her bosses. For example, if she doesn't want to be a superhero, what is she actually DOING to get out of the business? If she's been drafted, here are some possible ways she might be thinking about getting out. --She actively tries to get herself fired. --She tries to run away. --She searches for blackmail material on somebody that can let her go. --She tries to convince them that she's a conscientious objector. --She tries to convince them that she's crazy and/or totally unfit for the job. For example, in Harold and Maude, Harold convinces the military not to take him by pretending to be psychotically gung ho. --She tries getting a major company, organization or university to convince the superhero organization that she would be a more productive member of society as an employee or a student than a superhero. <br /> Feel free to mix and match--I'd love to see somebody try to blackmail Nick Fury while she's also trying to convince the Girl Scouts to go to bat for her charity efforts and playing psycho at work. (Then Nick Fury can sabotage the Girl Scout lobbying effort by showing a tape of how crazy she allegedly is). <br /> ... <br /> If the character's reluctance only registers as passivity and/or complaining about doing interesting superhero stuff, I think that would definitely make her less likable. <br /> Of the two, I think #2 would be more challenging but probably more memorable (as long as the character got ways to show her lack of enthusiasm besides whining or silently sulking). “That is, after she gains her abilities and is approached by a crime fighting group, she turns them down out of fear and cowardice- would this make her appear selfish and unlikable?” If you’ve previously made her a likable and active character, I don’t think this would make her seem selfish/useless. For example, if she’s a somewhat relatable person that’s not very violent or brave, I think we’d sympathize with her decision (particularly the character is notably selfless in other ways–Invincible’s Atom Eve is a pretty extreme example that opts to do a long-term Third World service project instead).

I see two main possibilities for this character:
1) She eventually changes her mind. Maybe something convinces her that it’s worthwhile and that she has something to offer.

2) She gets dragged along kicking and screaming. CAUTION: If she’s forced to do something she doesn’t want to do, I would highly recommend doing a lot of conflict between her and her bosses. For example, if she doesn’t want to be a superhero, what is she actually DOING to get out of the business? If she’s been drafted, here are some possible ways she might be thinking about getting out.
–She actively tries to get herself fired.
–She tries to run away.
–She searches for blackmail material on somebody that can let her go.
–She tries to convince them that she’s a conscientious objector.
–She tries to convince them that she’s crazy and/or totally unfit for the job. For example, in Harold and Maude, Harold convinces the military not to take him by pretending to be psychotically gung ho.
–She tries getting a major company, organization or university to convince the superhero organization that she would be a more productive member of society as an employee or a student than a superhero.

Feel free to mix and match–I’d love to see somebody try to blackmail Nick Fury while she’s also trying to convince the Girl Scouts to go to bat for her charity efforts and playing psycho at work. (Then Nick Fury can sabotage the Girl Scout lobbying effort by showing a tape of how crazy she allegedly is).

…


If the character’s reluctance only registers as passivity and/or complaining about doing interesting superhero stuff, I think that would definitely make her less likable.

Of the two, I think #2 would be more challenging but probably more memorable (as long as the character got ways to show her lack of enthusiasm besides whining or silently sulking).

]]> By: Questionmark http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-189446 Questionmark Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:16:34 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-189446 What would you say to me using a superhero that is enormously reluctant to perform any heroics? That is, after she gains her abilities and is approached by a crime fighting group, she turns them down out of fear and cowardice- would this make her appear selfish and unlikeable? What would you say to me using a superhero that is enormously reluctant to perform any heroics? That is, after she gains her abilities and is approached by a crime fighting group, she turns them down out of fear and cowardice- would this make her appear selfish and unlikeable?

]]> By: IAmNotLefthanded http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-188299 IAmNotLefthanded Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:51:11 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-188299 - "If they're a government team why are they getting names like Rampage and Massacre?" Massacre had already chosen his name becaus he thought it sounding cool and evil. Rampage was so-named because after she gained her abilities she lost control of them and destroyed most of the town. The government are pretty scared of the mutants and what they can do, so they try to lower their self esteem in small ways, such as names. - " Rampage wants her powers to go away. Is he holding out on her?" Absolutely. The doctor enjoys being part of a team and being seen as a hero rather than a villain, and doesn't want the team split up. Not to mention, they are held captive in the facility for the most part, as they are seen as dangers to society, so even if he wanted to help he couldn't since the notes regarding mutation are still back at his lab. -" However, I would recommend not making his powers too useless or it may result in him feeling like a distraction. (Alternately, if his powers are just horribly weak, maybe he has some other assets and/ or skills that are really useful)." He is excellent at imitating voices and at coming up with disguises. He is used as an excellent distraction and is good at negotiating. His skills just aren't physical or related to his mutation. - "Since Dr. Gadget’s gadgets have a notable tendency to malfunction, you could give him a name based on that. For example, maybe something like Glitch, Crash, Snafu, Trainwreck, Snag, maybe a pun based on “bug” (groan), Botch, The Notorious M.O. D. (Master of Disaster), etc." I quite like Botch and the Notorious M.O.D. I'll try them out and see if either suits. Thank you! - “If they’re a government team why are they getting names like Rampage and Massacre?”
Massacre had already chosen his name becaus he thought it sounding cool and evil. Rampage was so-named because after she gained her abilities she lost control of them and destroyed most of the town. The government are pretty scared of the mutants and what they can do, so they try to lower their self esteem in small ways, such as names.
- ” Rampage wants her powers
to go away. Is he holding out on her?”
Absolutely. The doctor enjoys being part of a team and being seen as a hero rather than a villain, and doesn’t want the team split up. Not to mention, they are held captive in the facility for the most part, as they are seen as dangers to society, so even if he wanted to help he couldn’t since the notes regarding mutation are still back at his lab.
-” However, I would
recommend not making his powers
too useless or it may result in him
feeling like a distraction. (Alternately, if
his powers are just horribly weak,
maybe he has some other assets and/
or skills that are really useful).”
He is excellent at imitating voices and at coming up with disguises. He is used as an excellent distraction and is good at negotiating. His skills just aren’t physical or related to his mutation.
- “Since Dr. Gadget’s gadgets have a
notable tendency to malfunction, you
could give him a name based on that.
For example, maybe something like
Glitch, Crash, Snafu, Trainwreck, Snag,
maybe a pun based on “bug” (groan),
Botch, The Notorious M.O. D. (Master
of Disaster), etc.”
I quite like Botch and the Notorious M.O.D. I’ll try them out and see if either suits. Thank you!

]]> By: B. McKenzie http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-188246 B. McKenzie Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:22:40 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-188246 --If they're a government team, why are they getting names like Rampage and Massacre? (By the way, I really like "Fred" for the plant/blob that thinks he's a human--given the context, it feels very fresh). <br /> --"Unlike most super scientists, he actually kept notes on all experiments, and his notes contain information on how to turn all of them back to normal." Rampage wants her powers to go away. Is he holding out on her? <br /> --"is convinced that he is a human. Optimistic, cheerful and hopelessly naive, he is the most harmless of the ragtag group, and also the most useless, as even once he is shifted into a form someone could punch right through his body with ease." Depending on the execution, his delusions might be charming and hilarious. However, I would recommend not making his powers too useless or it may result in him feeling like a distraction. (Alternately, if his powers are just horribly weak, maybe he has some other assets and/or skills that are really useful). <br /> --Since Dr. Gadget's gadgets have a notable tendency to malfunction, you could give him a name based on that. For example, maybe something like Glitch, Crash, Snafu, Trainwreck, Snag, maybe a pun based on "bug" (groan), Botch, The Notorious M.O.D. (Master of Disaster), etc. –If they’re a government team, why are they getting names like Rampage and Massacre? (By the way, I really like “Fred” for the plant/blob that thinks he’s a human–given the context, it feels very fresh).

–”Unlike most super scientists, he actually kept notes on all experiments, and his notes contain information on how to turn all of them back to normal.” Rampage wants her powers to go away. Is he holding out on her?

–”is convinced that he is a human. Optimistic, cheerful and hopelessly naive, he is the most harmless of the ragtag group, and also the most useless, as even once he is shifted into a form someone could punch right through his body with ease.” Depending on the execution, his delusions might be charming and hilarious. However, I would recommend not making his powers too useless or it may result in him feeling like a distraction. (Alternately, if his powers are just horribly weak, maybe he has some other assets and/or skills that are really useful).

–Since Dr. Gadget’s gadgets have a notable tendency to malfunction, you could give him a name based on that. For example, maybe something like Glitch, Crash, Snafu, Trainwreck, Snag, maybe a pun based on “bug” (groan), Botch, The Notorious M.O.D. (Master of Disaster), etc.

]]> By: IAmNotLefthanded http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-188080 IAmNotLefthanded Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:28:26 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-188080 What do you think? Do you have any alternatives for names? I am especially unhaply with Fred and Dr. Gadget. What do you think? Do you have any alternatives for names? I am especially unhaply with Fred and Dr. Gadget.

]]> By: IAmNotLefthanded http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-188076 IAmNotLefthanded Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:25:19 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-188076 I'm writing a first draft of a mostly humorous superhero novel, and was just wondering what you thought of the characters. The story is based around a group of mutants in a top secret government facility who are called on to stop ridiculously weak supervillains. The main story kicks off when an intelligent villain takes control of the facility and uses the mutants to take out his competition, enemies and various superheroes. The main characters are: Rampage: Quite a well meaning girl with anger issues, Rampage rather hates her villainous sounding nickname and wishes that people would just call her Katrina. She is new to the team and finds it difficult to control her powers, which are pyrokinitic. She is viewed by the public as a dangerous person and is greeted wherever she goes with screams. She is the most moral of the group, and finds it very difficult when she has to abandon one person to save many. She would do anything to get rid of her powers, as they were what lead to her being treated as a freak by her friends, family, boyfriend and pretty much everyone. Massacre: An ex-supervillain currently working with the team as an alternative to prison for creating the first ever working freeze ray and setting it on the White House (123 injuries, 1 fatality- while freexing worked okay, thawing proved more difficult). He is the most morally lax of the group, with is really saying something, and has been mutated into a cyborg after an unfortunaate uncident with a blender and a malfunctioning super ray. He is the first to jump into any given fight, and has a fascination with weaponry. He is the most selfish of the group, and takes a back seat to most fights for fear of injury. Dr. Gadget: A self proclaimed mad scientist who was melded with a roach after an unfortunate experiment. Prone to evil laughter and creating genius gadgets out of nothing, although these are prone to malfunctioning. Although he calls himself a mad scientist, he is actually a pretty nice guy who does try his best to reel in his teammates, acting as the lone authority figure. Unlike most super scientists, he actually kept notes on all experiments, and his notes contain information on how to turn all of them back to normal. Fred: You get the distinct feeling that they didn't know how to name this guy. Originally a plant given the mind of an extremely stupid person, he evolved swiftly to become some kind of a shape shifting blob that can't keep one shape for more than two minutes and is convinced that he is a human. Optimistic, cheerful and hopelessly naive, he is the most harmless of the ragtag group, and also the most useless, as even once he is shifted into a form someone could punch right through his body with ease. I’m writing a first draft of a mostly humorous superhero novel, and was just wondering what you thought of the characters. The story is based around a group of mutants in a top secret government facility who are called on to stop ridiculously weak supervillains. The main story kicks off when an intelligent villain takes control of the facility and uses the mutants to take out his competition, enemies and various superheroes. The main characters are:
Rampage: Quite a well meaning girl with anger issues, Rampage rather hates her villainous sounding nickname and wishes that people would just call her Katrina. She is new to the team and finds it difficult to control her powers, which are pyrokinitic. She is viewed by the public as a dangerous person and is greeted wherever she goes with screams. She is the most moral of the group, and finds it very difficult when she has to abandon one person to save many. She would do anything to get rid of her powers, as they were what lead to her being treated as a freak by her friends, family, boyfriend and pretty much everyone.
Massacre: An ex-supervillain currently working with the team as an alternative to prison for creating the first ever working freeze ray and setting it on the White House (123 injuries, 1 fatality- while freexing worked okay, thawing proved more difficult). He is the most morally lax of the group, with is really saying something, and has been mutated into a cyborg after an unfortunaate uncident with a blender and a malfunctioning super ray. He is the first to jump into any given fight, and has a fascination with weaponry. He is the most selfish of the group, and takes a back seat to most fights for fear of injury.
Dr. Gadget: A self proclaimed mad scientist who was melded with a roach after an unfortunate experiment. Prone to evil laughter and creating genius gadgets out of nothing, although these are prone to malfunctioning. Although he calls himself a mad scientist, he is actually a pretty nice guy who does try his best to reel in his teammates, acting as the lone authority figure. Unlike most super scientists, he actually kept notes on all experiments, and his notes contain information on how to turn all of them back to normal.
Fred: You get the distinct feeling that they didn’t know how to name this guy. Originally a plant given the mind of an extremely stupid person, he evolved swiftly to become some kind of a shape shifting blob that can’t keep one shape for more than two minutes and is convinced that he is a human. Optimistic, cheerful and hopelessly naive, he is the most harmless of the ragtag group, and also the most useless, as even once he is shifted into a form someone could punch right through his body with ease.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-170223 Anonymous Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:12:37 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-170223 He could maybe have an uncanny interest in politics. He could maybe have an uncanny interest in politics.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/05/how-to-develop-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-170220 Anonymous Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:57:31 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/?p=818#comment-170220 I meant asked. I meant asked.

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