Black and white characters

[Count of Cutesy]

It seems like just yesterday or the day before I was thinking about this. I was playing Soul Calibur 4 and I was fighting the main Villain, Algol, as Sophitia, and after beating him, Algol helped Sophitia break free from Soul Edge's grip. It got me thinking, he was technically a badguy, but he had a good side to him as well. And then it got me thinking, most well-polished characters are NEVER pure-good or pure-evil. There's usually at least one bad thing that a goodguy might support, and there's usually someone or something a villain cares about.

...But when I think of my characters, I think about how good or bad they are. Even though a character has flaws, they can still be black or white in terms of alignment. And while my characters have flaws, they're usually either pure good or pure evil. I do have a character who's a recovering criminal who wants to mend his ways, and a villain who's arogant and brute-like, but still has feelings for his son, but that's it. And when thinking about this, I want to break these habits. ...Still, I can't really say there's a way to ask for help on the subject.

I guess what helps is, what helps you in making multi-colored characters?

[Alex Laetus]

Hrm... Making a multi colored, multi layered character???

Well, one thing that might help is think of them as an actual fur/monster/person/etc.


Every one has things that set them off, make them happy annoys them, and all that stuff in between. So when writing, make sure you bring out the traits, and if the character is open enough to, engross the emotion, and make it clear what the character is feeling.

That's moreso a thing for bringing out character's emotion now that I look at it.


One thing that's important to look at before forming a character is the different levels of alignment.


I apologize if you're already familiar with it, but in the game, Dungeons and Dragons, there are, as to my knowledge, a measure of 9 different alignments a character has. These measure their morals, and how they live their lives.


There is the morality spectrum, Good, Neutral, and Evil, as well as the modifiers that determine whether a character is a law abiding citizen, is sort of indifferent on the matter ( I won't go into this one much, seeing as I've never really experimented with it), and chaotic, a character that does what they want, how they want, so long as it follows their morality.

In short, some comparisons:

Good Lawful: (Ex. Obi Wan Kenobi [Star Wars]) A character that fights with a beacon of light in their heart; they strive to protect the innocent, and thwart, or even rid the world of evil. They will never break the code of the laws they follow, and often will hold others to maintaining this code.


Good Chaotic: (Ex. Robin Hood [Nearly Any Iteration] ) A character that, though they fight for good intentions, tend to find themselves getting into trouble. They often have hearts of gold, but have been known to do whatever it takes to make sure the side of good wins. This trait, however, is not always a bad thing.


Neutral Lawful: (Ex. Scar [Full Metal Alchemist]) A character that, in the end, is known to fluctuate between good and evil. Those that are lawful often do so to keep governments appeased so they can keep to themselves. This is not always the case, but a lawful  character still upholds the laws of their people... just don't always do what's right.


True Neutral: (Ex. Tree Beard [Lord of the Rings]) A character that strives, and LIVES for neutrality; they will never perform any action unless provoked, or boundaries have been crossed that threaten them. A true neutral character has tough shoes to fill, seeing as that meddling can alter their alignment, but then again, times change, and sometimes sides must be chosen.


Chaotic Neutral: (Ex. March Hare [Alice In Wonderland]) A chaotic neutral character has no rhyme or reason for their actions; they often do it for their own enjoyment. Not necessarily because they were hired. Just merely because they could. Chaotic Neutral characters still choose no sides normally.

Lawful Evil: (Ex. Professor Umbridge [Harry Potter]) A lawful evil character, on the outside, appear to be good, law abiding citizens. They will do what is required of them, but will never say no to bribing their way into something, or pulling blackmail. What makes Lawful Evil characters so fun is the insanity one can put in their hearts, or the deviousness of their minds; they also are among the easiest to mask their true intentions.

Chaotic Evil: (Ex. Chernabog [Fantasia]) A chaotic evil character revels in destruction. Though often noticed for their evil deeds, they don't care; they have enough power to fight off attackers, they often reducing them to defeat with the powers bestowed upon them. A chaotic neutral character can always be fun, and often have quite the story as to why they love to only cause chaos.


So, sorry I'm so long winded.

Just remember this also about character;


Have a basis for them.

Always.

Like, one of mine is the Siberian Sentinel. No matter what side he is on, though he is lawful good, he will always, always, ALWAYS have a colder personality, shutting others out. however, he wants to protect people, and all he can, that apart of his nature.

I find that often helps me keep characters grounded for original idea, so as they don't float off. It also works well if you're running out of ideas for them!

One last tip with making fun characters; doesn't always have to be dead parents, but give your character something to struggle with! Are they Schizophrenic?  Maybe they don't have a pinky!


They love the group they're in, but the symbol on one  of the members sends them into a frenzied rage, turning the town on them.

Make sure you have just as strong problems for characters to fight, as well as strong characters. Heck, some things that test a character's moral that would seriously make them crumble if not for friends is fantastic!


I hope this helped ^n.n^

Good luck!!!