Guide to Character Creation

What makes a good character?

In one word: Presence. Even if your character is a total gimmick, if people can feel that you enjoy playing a character, and are actively having fun, they will approach you and add to it. Think about the little things, and other players will notice. Start with a rough vibe, what you want to base your character around, and work from there.

How much should I prepare before I start, ideally?

Generally, you need to prepare enough of a character's background that you feel comfortable improvising off of what you have. This guide may seem daunting, but remember that most of it happens after you get comfortable playing as the character, and begin to structure things for yourself. Generally, I recommend these things, try to think of at least three before you start:

• How does your character sound? Are they crass, are they formal? What vocabulary do they use? Do they have an accent? Do they address everyone on a first-name basis, or do they use honorifics?
• How does your character look? How does their sprite look? How do you feel about them by looking at them, and reading their flavor text?
• How does your character feel? Write a few core personality traits, and a flaw or two that affect their day-to-day life. Think about the little ways that they would manifest on-station.
• What past life experiences does your character have? Think of a few pivotal events in their life, and what they think about them, and the things related to them.
• How does your character fit within the broader setting? Where are they from? How does that affect their life and worldview?
• How are you going to present your character? Write a few emotes, or actions you can do quickly and easily, that help round out your character. Do they always have the lights off where they work? Do they always make direct eye contact with someone they're talking to, or avert their gaze? Do they flash their badge every time they walk in somewhere?