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Spaztique — The Simple Character Creator Formula
Published: 2013-02-01 06:56:13 +0000 UTC; Views: 109368; Favourites: 1355; Downloads: 0
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This is a copy-paste (with some additions) from my Tumblr blog (spaztique.tumblr.com/ ), but it must be reposted.
Twilight of the Hakurei, the club-wide comic tennis/RP (walfasstationwagon.deviantart.… ), is turning out just as I suspected: AMAZINGLY. However, one thing that really astounds me is how well the character system is working. If you're not familiar, it's simply this:
1. Pick the character's biggest strength that affects other people. Note the key phrase, "that affects other people." For example, "He's really good at cooking," is not a strength: that's just a regular skill that only applies to one area of life and doesn't really affect others. However, "He's a fast learner," or, "He pays attention to detail," or, "He's very generous," is a strength because it applies to more than just cooking, but any other skill and especially relationships.
2. Pick the character's biggest weakness that affects other people. Once again, note the key phrase, "that affects other people." Saying, "He's never had a girlfriend," is not a weakness, nor is, "He's a nerd," or, "Nobody likes him." Real weaknesses include, "He's really shy around people," or, "He is untrustworthy to others," or, "He has temper issues."
3. Pick which of the two is stronger. The weaker trait will become the main personality. The stronger trait will be brought out in times of great conflict.
And that's all you need to make a compelling, easily-adaptable character. Boiled down to a formula, it looks like this:
Strength + Weakness x Which is stronger = Character.
The thing I like about the two traits system is that any two traits and which one wins can make any number of characters. For example…
(Strength = Bravery) + (Weakness = Selfishness) x (Strength < Weakness) = The wannabe hero who is really a glory hound. He'll act brave in many situations, but in the end, he's only in it for himself.
(Strength = Bravery) + (Weakness = Selfishness) x (Strength > Weakness) = The Knight in Sour Armor. This hero acts selfish most of the time, but in the end, this person really does want to do the right thing.
(Strength = Kindhearted) + (Weakness = Bitterness) x (Strength > Weakness) = The classic tsundere. While she (they're usually shes) is a jerk most of the time, she'll always end up doing nice things for others (not because they like you or anything, idiot).
(Strength = Kindhearted) + (Weakness = Bitterness) x (Strength < Weakness) = The classic yandere. Sure, they'll be super nice most of the time, but make them snap and whoever is in their path is in for a very bad day.
What's cool is that you can develop a dynamic cast by recycling the same traits over again and switching around their positions.
Let's see what characters we can draw from this…
(Strength = Intuition) + (Weakness = Fear) x (Strength > Weakness) = Luke Skywalker from Star Wars
(Strength = Selflessness and Honor) + (Weakness = Selfishness and Bitterness) x (Strength > Weakness) = Rick Blaine from Casablanca
(Strength = Acute sense of Justice) + (Weakness = Losing touch with humanity) x (Strength > Weakness) = Superman (and sometimes a great number of superheroes)
(Strength = Determination) + (Weakness = Regret) x (Strength > Weakness) = Dom Cobb from Inception
(Strength = Honor and Morality) + (Weakness = Paranoia) x (Strength > Weakness) = Hamlet
(Strength = Honor and Morality) + (Weakness = Paranoia) x (Strength < Weakness) = Othello
(Strength = Honor and Morality) + (Weakness = Too Idealistic) x (Strength > Weakness) = Shirou Emiya from Fate/Stay Night
(Strength = Self-Awareness and Honor) + (Weakness = Selfishness and Hedonism) x (Strength > Weakness) = Brolli from Diamond In The Rough.
Quite an amazing system, isn't it? So many characters can pop out of just that simple formula.
If you'd like this system explained a little more, post a trait set below and I can calculate what the character will act like (plus, I could probably give you some contrasting characters to go along with it).
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Comments: 373
That still essentially sounds like the same thing...though if you wanted 100 percent clarity, I guess you could say her weakness was Idealism to a Fault? I don't know if you've ever played Armored Core: For Answer, but Wynne D. Fanchon (Reiterpallasch) was kind of like that. Taking the route that has you fighting and (ideally) defeating her ends with you routing power from orbiting city-ships to giant tower-cannons which fire on space debris, killing off millions, but granting hundreds of millions more the ability to escape their dying planet. Wynne D. Fanchon fights you because she doesn't want you to kill anyone at all, even though she knows full well that you doing so will be better for the human race in the long run.
Is it something like that?
Edit: Actually now that I think about it those are two very different things...huh...but yeah, would it be more like Overpowering Idealism?
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This makes me feel more secure about my own character.
(strength = protective) + (weakness = overly honest) X (strength > weakness)
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I like that. I've been in that situation myself, as many have: being blunt and honest can drive some people away, but at the end of the day, a lot of us do it simply because we care. As the saying goes, "A true friend compliments you behind your back and insults you to your face."
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Lets see! hm,
(Strength = Persistent) + (Weakness = Doesn't think things through) x (Strength < Weakness) = ..... a character
...
...
I don't even know XD
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...hmmm. Your character would probably keep trying over and over again to fix a problem, but each time, even though they're well-meaning, they would screw things up more and more.
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Sounds accurate XD
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Interesting!
Let me try this:
(Strength = Humble) + (Weakness = Insecure) x (Strength < Weakness) = ?
I believe they will be kind to others, but usually has a hard time forming a relationship with others.
Can anyone tell me differently?
How about in reverse?
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From that, you have a character who's very polite and charitable to others, but their problem is they can't seem to stand up for themselves.
In the strength overpowers, the weakness, they seem like they're shy and introverted, but they're very kind and charitable to those when the going gets tough.
Basically, one character is a doormat, while the other is a shy-but-well-meaning person.
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(Strength = Sensitive Spirit) + (Weakness = Cynical) x (Strength > Weakness) = ?
I'm thinking that she wants to help others with their problems, but she has the tendency to be a bit cynical when she interacts with others. What do you think she'd be?
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That's a bit of a toughie, since those characteristics oppose each other.
Let's see.
She will seem like a skeptical person, like she has a trusting problem, but is very compassionate and kind to others.
In reverse, where Strength < Weakness, she is kind to others, but her attitude is seen as too practical to the point she is like a "party pooper."
Basically she exercises "tough love" with others.
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(STRENGTH = DETERMINED) + (WEAKNESS: TAKES THINGS PERSONALLY) x (STRENGTH > WEAKNESS)
I have a feeling they would be something like this:
Is rarely determined to work on projects, often mistaken for laziness, but when encouraged to work in crisis, it takes double the amount encouragement in negativity to stop him.
But I have no clue?
This one as well:
(STRENGTH = MUSICALLY INCLINED) + (WEAKNESS = SOCIALLY INEPT) x (STRENGTH < WEAKNESS)
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(STRENGTH = MUSICALLY INCLINED) + (WEAKNESS = SOCIALLY INEPT) x (STRENGTH < WEAKNESS)
They love music and plaing *insert the instrument of your choice here* but whenever they go on stage to perform they get really nervous.
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Thanks, that makes a lot of sense actually :V
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No problem, If you have trouble with any other combination I'd be happy to help
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Dom Cobb? More like Frisk taking the genocide route.
I'm sorry.
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(Strenght = Humble) + (Weakness = Loud) x (Strenght > Weakness) = Jacksepticeye
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You know I'm trying to write my own story based in the Elder Scrolls universe and this helped a lot. I don't know if I'll ever post it on DA. (I don't think it'll ever be good enough, plus I mainly want to post my wildlife photography here.) If more people are interested I might consider it though. If anyone has tips on making dialogue sound less wooden let me know, I'd be happy to show you what I have so far.
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(sorry for my bad english im not a natural speaker, but i gonna try to help)
Like in photography, dialogues, to me, needs to be composed...
they rely on flux and cuts to bring emotional information into the plot.
in my stories i usually use dialogues to share with the reader the fact the characters don't grasp the real phenomenon what is evolving in front their eyes.
they discuss, even fight, defending bad choices because they don't see the world as you (the writer) describes, thats a way to "turn" the mental camera to a detail focusing in the limitations of each personality.
studing some professional writers i noticed there diferent means to show dialogue, i prefer a "not-clear-who-is-talking-right-now":
insted of:
Annia says:
- Let me go! I never gonna betray my people whatever you do. You are a monster!
Harklaw laughs high, and replies to the defenseless prisioner:
- You are a fool, you assume i will let you go because i can't extract the information from you, but you forgot you will serve me right, when the information you get cought captive come to the court your own king Vladius will trade the information to save your first-born.
i normally do:
Let me go! I never gonna betray my people whatever you do. Annia screams when Harklaw laughts in triumph. Annia, you are a fool. She looks at him in silent rage when he casually looks at the narrow window and adds, i will let you go because i can't extract the information from you, Harklaw smile like a ugly hound to his prey and says, when the information you get cought captive come to the court your own king Vladius will trade the information to save your first-born.
You are a monster!
I chance the scene in flux and used pontuation to "cut" and focus diferent aspects fo the scene, is not an action scene. The second structure is not "user friendly" with the reader, but to me "user friendly" is the last treat i care in my stories. Obviusly i broke the laws of dialogue building, in sake of create a flux and cuts who show reactions and expressions (emoji) during the development of the scene.
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(Strength = Knowledge of Magic) + (Weakness = Frail Mind) x (Strength < Weakness) = ...What shalt it be? (Am I correct?)
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i gonna try to help (i don't know if i will succeed)
"(Strength = Knowledge of Magic) + (Weakness = Frail Mind) x (Strength < Weakness) = What shalt it be?"
To me magic needs to be in some sort of context to make sense (depending of the context maybe cannot be considered a strength!)
for example:
1. A harsh world under martial law where Magic is forbiden and magic users are seen as natural criminal.
2. A Magic utopia (Zeal from Chrono trigger, for example) where magic is not only normal but encouraged as a basic skill (like cooking).
In both scenarios Knowledge of Magic is not a strength. But im assuming your character lives in a world where Magic is a power to achieve beneffits, even in that situation "know of magic" maybe is not "do magic" i personally know how to make chocolate cake, but never tryied and probably my firsts attempts gona be a disaster (lol).
you set your character to be focused in the weakness. which is "Frail Mind". Maybe he/she suffer from a mental disorder, or to perform proper magic he/she needs to have a strong focused mind and this is trapping the knowledge of magic to never gain a real application. Maybe a frail mind drive the character ask for help from others to achieve togheter success.
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(strength = like to help others) + (weakness = greed) x (strength > weakness)
someone please help :'>
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That is actually a really interesting combination; nearly contradictory traits in relation to one another. The character's personality becomes this mystifying enigma of intention: when your character helps another, is it truly for the sake of their adoration for altruism? Or, could it be because, beneath the surface, they are only truly after their own greedy, selfish goals? Sure, the admiration of altruism wins out at the end of the day, but does it always? Is there not any action actually governed by their own greed? Is it simply a "like" for helping others, like one would admire a trait from afar? Or, is it a need?
Truly my favorite topics, intention and results could discussed in class seminars for hours at a time. I love it! I love this character! I want to see where this guy will be used and see the story immediately! XD
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he's used in a webcomic I'm making on my da
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Interesting. Which character is this guy? Could you attach a link?
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alexthedemonicwolf.deviantart.…
this is him :>
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(just my opinion..)
(strength = like to help others) + (weakness = greed) x (strength > weakness) = Han Solo
I know, probably you could say (strength < weakness) for Solo, but most actions of Solo are not really driven by greed but to help someone else, maybe for the profund respect he devenlops by his fellows adventurers. His greedy is a evident trace (coming allong with a charming arrogance). Nicely, just because his greed millenium falcon is a fast ship (hes a smuggler, and they need to not get cought), and that fact helps the group in crisis situation.
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Soo... Here's my OC's strength and weakness...
[Strength= humble and tomboyish] [Weakness= is an introvert and doesn't talk much ] x [strength
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Understand what about the character's introversion really makes it a weakness, through it's effect on others. SUCH AS the character is SO introverted that A) they have trouble expressing themselves in a way others can understand, ending with frustration from the character, from others, or both. B) they seem completely aloof or detached to others, despite being a caring or thoughtful person. or maybe C) they are just so incredibly shy that they appear meek and inept to others. Since weakness>strength this should be something we notice about the character right away and are reminded of frequently. The character doesn't want to open up to others and others get insulted by this, and/or, tries to open up but somehow only pushes people away.
Humility is ultimately a positive trait, but has some of its own drawbacks, e.g. a humble person might not take credit for hard work, or might not stand up for themselves when necessary. Focus on the specific ways your character's humility defines them and how it benefits others. Are they a voice of calm reason when the world starts going crazy? Maybe they see the true value in others, when everyone else is blinded by vanity? Or maybe their humility gives them special insight into their own abilities and identity, and they gain an unshakable faith and resolve when their true abilities are tested. Once again, if weakness>strength, this part of their character should be hidden, only showing itself at awe-inspiring moments where the character's true depth is revealed.
Just my interpretation, hope that it helps!
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oh thanks for the help :v
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Is intelligence a trait that affects other people?
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Depends on what they do with it. If it's in the background, then no. If they're smug about it, or they're helpful with it, or they're quick to notice things and use it to help themselves or others, THEN it counts. Basically, if the intelligence alters their personality.
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[strength= originality, intelligence ] [weakness= introverted, finds it hard to trust others] x [strength>weakness]
[strength= originality, intelligence ] [weakness= introverted, finds it hard to trust others] x [strength
Can someone help? x
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1 would be someone who is usually introverted and has a hard time making friends, but once someone gets close to them, they are truly smart and original and have an amazing personality. This person will be lonely, but in reality, they are someone worth being friends with.
2 would be the opposite. They seem like someone who is amazing and is smart, but when someone wants to be their friend, they are blocked out and have a hard time getting close to them. This person will be admirable, but in reality, they are lonely.
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omg!! this worked so well, thanks so much!!
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Sounds really good ! I'm going to share it for one of my tutorial !
I've done this thing with two of my character !
(Strength = Honesty and generosity) + (Weakness = Sensitive) x (Strength < Weakness) = Bryan
(Strength = Friendly and charismatic) + (Weakness = Vindictive and rancorous) x (Strength < Weakness) = Kuron
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So if I'm understanding correctly....
(Strength = Independent, Charming) + (Weakness = Promiscuous, Immature) x (Strength < Weakness) = A person who finds themselves purposely playing around with another person's emotions and constantly in and out of relationships.
(Strength = Independent, Charming) + (Weakness = Promiscuous, Immature) x (Strength > Weakness) = A person who looks for the attention of others to make herself feel good without the consideration of others in mind.
Is this right?
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(Strength = Loyalty) + (Weakness = Quick to anger, hotheaded) x (Strength > Weakness) = ?
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Hey famalam. I'm not the op, but I sounds like the perfect support character. Someone who is dedicated to their cause/ friends but easily angers at someone slandering either of those. I'm not saying that this character should not be a main. Just they would strive when they have something to stand up for or protect.
This person is deadly serious and dedicated with their friends/cause and have little space or room for people who talk down on it. Even if their bringing up valid points your character refuses to see them. Her loyalty could also be used as a weakness unable to see when someone is leading her/him on. Because they are so dedicated.
With the hot headed side these two traits mimic each other perfectly. This character sounds really interesting and could really strive as a character. Being admired for their loyalty and easy for the reader to identify with and easy to understand with their temper. Since we've all had something we'd defend tooth and claw. This is just my perception on the character take it or leave.
:^)
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Goodness! I didn't expect anyone to actually answer! Thank you very much!
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(Strength = Detail Oriented and Intelligent) + (Weakness = Shy and Perfectionistic) x (Strength
(Strength = Innocent) + (Weakness = Untrusting) x (Strength
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Not the author but I will give my thoughts and opinion on what personalities those traits pertain to.
1. This person is often seen as being unable to approach others because of his/her shyness, and unable to speak up either because of said shyness. To add to it, her perfectionist trait is also what drives people away because of his/her tendency to break the monotony of the routine and strive for something akin to perfect. Because of that, people view him/her as being arrogant, pompous, and rude. However, despite those shortcomings, the person is known to place a great emphasis on detail, making sure even the most mundane of things are included in his/her mind. Then he or she tries to make a conscious effort to understand the causes rather than the effects. He/she does this in a second nature kind of way. She/he can get away with being a perfectionist because she/he actually knows what she/he is doing and the results of it actually shows, so people know he/she is the real deal, an intelligent person, rather than a bluffing buffoon. She/he may know a lot more than she/he lets on.
2. This person has almost done nothing wrong in life and tends to stay on the good path. She/he will never be convinced that doing anything perceived as being bad, can actually bring some good consequences. It's just isn't right to him/her. However, he/she is very gullible and can be tricked easily to do something that is against her/his nature, with a little bit of 'persuasion'.
3. This person does not trust anyone. If someone does a good deed for her/him, she/he will not immediately trust that person, seeing that person using this opportunity to trick her/his into lowering her/his walls. However, she/he isn't a bad person in the end. She/he is just a person that has trouble trusting others.
4. This person is courageous, fearless in the face of great danger. Added to that, he or she has qualities that are considered to be akin to that of a saint and good morality. However, that is merely a façade. In the inside, this person is not virtuous or brave, but a bitter coward. He/she hates the world for what he or she perceives is a sin made against her/him due to bad experiences either recently or in the past. He/she is insecure, lacking the courage to actually go do the selfless acts that she/he is known for at certain moments...
This is just my thoughts. Take it with a grain of salt.
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Thank you for taking the time to do this, even though you aren't the creator. It's very helpful, thank you
If you could, would you analyze this (below)?
(Strength = Multi-Talented) + (Weakness = Isolated) x (Strength>Weakness) = What?
(Strength = Caring and Wise) + (Weakness = Stubborn and Emotional) x (Strength>Weakness) = What?
(Strength = Resourceful and Creative) + (Weakness = Impatient and Impulsive) x (Strength
(Strength = Stupid) + (Weakness = Irritable) x (Strength
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I'm not the same person (whoops, sorry), but I can try help.
1. For the first one, I don't believe 'Multi-Talented' is a good 'strength' to draw upon. It's not specific enough to base a character off of.
2. This person is deeply caring and wise, able to give sound advice and make decisions to the best of their ability. However, this person is unmoving and unwilling to go back on a decision. When pushed, they will stubbornly stand their ground and make things more emotion-driven then they have to be, perhaps easily flaring up when provoked.
3. This person is impulsive as well as impatient, unwilling to stay in one place for long as well as spend time working on something. As well as this, their impulsive behaviour can lead to recklessness and cause things to go from bad to worse. Despite this, they are clever, able to maneuver and get themselves and others out of sticky situations with his or her resourcefulness and out of the box thinking.
4. This person is well liked by many due to their Charisma, and their playful qualities tend to appeal to young children, however these traits can be overpowering. When exposed to this person for too long, people tend to find their boistorous personality rather annoying, especially in a tense situation, and his or her tendencies to interrupt others can trigger arguements and disagreements.
5. This person has a very innocent outlook on the world. He or she looks through the eyes of a child, with naivety and starry-eyed wonder. This can cause them to make detrimental decisions as well as be easily misled by others, as this quality promotes them not to question other's intentions. Coupled with their naivety, however, is their undying patience. This allows them to wait for long extended periods of time as well as be patient with others without getting bothered or impatient when things take a long time.
6. (Not sure how stupid could be a strength, but I'll try yikes).
This person is extremely irritable. They have quite the temper, being easily provoked by those who dismiss their ideas or disclude them as a source of helpfulness. However, their lack of intelligence allows him or her to look at situations without overthinking them, which in turn permits them to find solutions often overlooked by those keener then themselves.
7. (Jesus this is a lot)
This person often comes across as cold and analyzing. He/she watches everything carefully, seemingly always calculating something in their head. Their innocence allows them to look at things from a different, more intuitive perspective, in comparison to those who are easily distrustful and suspicious. Along with this, their analytical nature and intelligence permits them to make the least damaging decision, however causes them to seem asocial due to their calculating silence. When their keen and perceptive facade is shed, however, this person is weak of mind. They secretly criticise themselves and may crack under pressure, unable to trust themselves to make an important decision in a time of great stress. This, coupled with their gullible nature, allows someone to easily tear them down, discouraging their confidence in themselves and leading them to believe that their decisions are wrong and their intelligence is fake.
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