The Roleplayer's Survival Guide: The OC Profile
Sept 25, 2012 1:07:50 GMT -5
Post by Loki Laufeyson on Sept 25, 2012 1:07:50 GMT -5
I've decided to start up a Help thread dedicated to helping out our members with creating a good, balanced profile for your Original Characters. Now, I've seen many Roleplayers, from the green-as-grass rookie to the most grizzled veteran, have some trouble with the profile. It's cool, everyone does. Even I do. Of course, staying up 'til three in the morning doesn't help, but I'm getting off track.
And I know what some of you might say, "You're just reposting the profile skeleton, you aren't doing anything to help us!" Well that's where you're wrong, good sir and/or madame! This is an example profile for a generic OC, for whom we'll call Average Joe for now. I'm going to outline what a good profile uses, and how to properly balance your character.
Of course, I had to take the position that no one likes: I had to be the teacher from Hell that would tell you to sit down, shut up, and learn. And I will be over and over again if it helps you make a good and well balanced character.
Let's begin, shall we?
{line or two of lyric/quote here}
.....................................................................[/center]
Full Name:
Alright, while this doesn't seem like a big deal, it certainly is. This is a one time deal, once you make your name, you only have the time between typing it here and posting the profile to change it. For now, we'll call him Joe Schmo, since this is a guide.
Code Name:
This would mean the alias your character takes up when fighting crime/trying to take over the world/plotting to blow up the planet, etcetera etcetera. Some people like to tie this alias in with their chosen powers, or they might take a completely different title because it's what represents both them and this new persona that they take up. So, like the Real Name, tread carefully with this one.
Age:
See Date of Birth. But remember this: With age comes wisdom, not intelligence. So no matter how much your character has experienced and done, he might be extremely ignorant in other areas. Also, if your character is very, very old, but looks a different age, so please do us all a favor and put what age they look like.
Date of Birth:
Alright, this time I won't scare you into thinking this detail is too important. But, if it's tied into their powers, or aging is effected by their biology, then you should at least think about how old your character is. But don't go overboard with this. If your character is two and a half thousand years old and is the last prophet of Who-Gives-A-Crap, than that's going a bit overboard. What I recommend the maximum age limit should be for you to stop at is, at the most, two hundred and fifty years old. That way, it can give you a little leeway on what your character did during that time when you write the history (see below)
Sexual Orientation: (hetero, bi or gay)
Species: This is going to define your characters general strengths and weakness.
Alliance: How they work for, how they operate, what rules they play by. A shield agent will kill. Justice League will not.
Citizenship: This matters, it would determine how strong your characters generic powers would be. Dc is super strength is superior to Marvels. Yet marvels Magic users are stronger then Dc
Canon or Original?: (specify if DC or Marvel canon)
Hair: Alright, I really shouldn't have to go over this one, but some of you are thinking "Hey, maybe I'll go with multi-colored hair, a symbolic gesture for blah blah blah." No. If it doesn't fit the picture, then you can't use it. That's what the picture is there for, to act as a base.
Eyes: This is the same rule for Hair up there. If it doesn't match the picture, it can't go in. That, and you have no idea how many people try to get away with making the character have heterochromia iridum (having two eyes of different colors). But they never do.
Height:
This is something I found often in new roleplayers: they don't know how to measure height properly. The average height for a male is around 5' (feet) 7" (inches) to 6', and the average female height is around 5' 2" to 5' 11". Choose anywhere between those, and you'll be fine. Of course, if your character is an extraterrestrial, then choose between the native species' average heights.
Weight:
It's pretty much the same deal with height, yet slightly different: Newer members often choose extremely low weights for their characters (around 100 pounds to 140 pounds). And I ask you one thing, and only one thing: Stop comparing your character's weight to that of a starving runway model! It's so common, it's sad. The average weight for a human male would be around 180 pounds to 225 pounds, and for a human female, it would be 160 pounds to 200 pounds. Again, if your character's an alien, then make the proper and necessary conversions.
Distinguishing Marks: (scars, tattoos, piercings)
Appearance: This section is for the appearance of your character. You can add in a line for their apparel, if they tend to wear a certain kind of clothing a lot of the time, and if you do add this line, I recommend you write out the description of their clothing. It's a lot easier to do so, since it's more often than not a pain in the ass to try and find the exact outfit you're looking for. But, right under the The Reflection In The Mirror line, I recommend you put an image of someone you think would fit the bill of your character. But, according to the rules, you'll have to use a live, actual person for your person. No exceptions.
Face Claim: (if you have a celeb you wish to use, put their name here, but make sure they are not taken first.)
Likes: See personality
Dislikes: See personality
Personality:
This is the personality of your character. This means that, while I technically could put up an example, I'm going to let you guys do it. This is your character, you make up the outline of their profile. That way, you get a better understanding of them then when you would following an example.
Powers:
Alrighty then, now it's time for the fun section; the powers. Now, I know you've been reading this for a while, thinking, 'When is he gonna get to the powers?! I have so many ideas!' But slow down. Powers are great, yeah, but they have to be wary. No 'over the top' superpowers, like snapping your fingers and a rifle pops into existence or imagining victory and gaining victory. No. They have to be somewhat possible. That, and there have to be limits to using your power(s), since there has to be balance for all of this to work. Checks and balances, my friends, checks and balances.
Weapons See powers
Strengths/Abilities: See powers
Weaknesses: See powers
History:
This is pretty basic, right? Tell the history of your character. From their birth to present day, tell us what happened. In around 3-5 paragraphs. We want something to read, not reference.
Writing Sample:
I can't possibly make this any easier
Your name/alias: you nick name, character name simple :D
Timezone:
Template created by chainedANGEL of CAUTION! 2.0. Please leave the credits intact and do not rip and claim as your own.
And I know what some of you might say, "You're just reposting the profile skeleton, you aren't doing anything to help us!" Well that's where you're wrong, good sir and/or madame! This is an example profile for a generic OC, for whom we'll call Average Joe for now. I'm going to outline what a good profile uses, and how to properly balance your character.
Of course, I had to take the position that no one likes: I had to be the teacher from Hell that would tell you to sit down, shut up, and learn. And I will be over and over again if it helps you make a good and well balanced character.
Let's begin, shall we?
First Middle Last
[/font][/size][/color] I recommend you put an image of someone you think would fit the bill of your character. But, according to the rules, you'll have to use a live, actual person for your person. No exceptions.
[/IMG]{line or two of lyric/quote here}
.....................................................................[/center]
Full Name:
Alright, while this doesn't seem like a big deal, it certainly is. This is a one time deal, once you make your name, you only have the time between typing it here and posting the profile to change it. For now, we'll call him Joe Schmo, since this is a guide.
Code Name:
This would mean the alias your character takes up when fighting crime/trying to take over the world/plotting to blow up the planet, etcetera etcetera. Some people like to tie this alias in with their chosen powers, or they might take a completely different title because it's what represents both them and this new persona that they take up. So, like the Real Name, tread carefully with this one.
Age:
See Date of Birth. But remember this: With age comes wisdom, not intelligence. So no matter how much your character has experienced and done, he might be extremely ignorant in other areas. Also, if your character is very, very old, but looks a different age, so please do us all a favor and put what age they look like.
Date of Birth:
Alright, this time I won't scare you into thinking this detail is too important. But, if it's tied into their powers, or aging is effected by their biology, then you should at least think about how old your character is. But don't go overboard with this. If your character is two and a half thousand years old and is the last prophet of Who-Gives-A-Crap, than that's going a bit overboard. What I recommend the maximum age limit should be for you to stop at is, at the most, two hundred and fifty years old. That way, it can give you a little leeway on what your character did during that time when you write the history (see below)
Sexual Orientation: (hetero, bi or gay)
Species: This is going to define your characters general strengths and weakness.
Alliance: How they work for, how they operate, what rules they play by. A shield agent will kill. Justice League will not.
Citizenship: This matters, it would determine how strong your characters generic powers would be. Dc is super strength is superior to Marvels. Yet marvels Magic users are stronger then Dc
Canon or Original?: (specify if DC or Marvel canon)
"Victory is MINE Baldy!
And if you had any hair I'd take that too!"
And if you had any hair I'd take that too!"
Hair: Alright, I really shouldn't have to go over this one, but some of you are thinking "Hey, maybe I'll go with multi-colored hair, a symbolic gesture for blah blah blah." No. If it doesn't fit the picture, then you can't use it. That's what the picture is there for, to act as a base.
Eyes: This is the same rule for Hair up there. If it doesn't match the picture, it can't go in. That, and you have no idea how many people try to get away with making the character have heterochromia iridum (having two eyes of different colors). But they never do.
Height:
This is something I found often in new roleplayers: they don't know how to measure height properly. The average height for a male is around 5' (feet) 7" (inches) to 6', and the average female height is around 5' 2" to 5' 11". Choose anywhere between those, and you'll be fine. Of course, if your character is an extraterrestrial, then choose between the native species' average heights.
Weight:
It's pretty much the same deal with height, yet slightly different: Newer members often choose extremely low weights for their characters (around 100 pounds to 140 pounds). And I ask you one thing, and only one thing: Stop comparing your character's weight to that of a starving runway model! It's so common, it's sad. The average weight for a human male would be around 180 pounds to 225 pounds, and for a human female, it would be 160 pounds to 200 pounds. Again, if your character's an alien, then make the proper and necessary conversions.
Distinguishing Marks: (scars, tattoos, piercings)
Appearance: This section is for the appearance of your character. You can add in a line for their apparel, if they tend to wear a certain kind of clothing a lot of the time, and if you do add this line, I recommend you write out the description of their clothing. It's a lot easier to do so, since it's more often than not a pain in the ass to try and find the exact outfit you're looking for. But, right under the The Reflection In The Mirror line, I recommend you put an image of someone you think would fit the bill of your character. But, according to the rules, you'll have to use a live, actual person for your person. No exceptions.
Face Claim: (if you have a celeb you wish to use, put their name here, but make sure they are not taken first.)
"I’m not interested in making new friends,
I don’t even like the ones I have”
I don’t even like the ones I have”
Likes: See personality
Dislikes: See personality
Personality:
This is the personality of your character. This means that, while I technically could put up an example, I'm going to let you guys do it. This is your character, you make up the outline of their profile. That way, you get a better understanding of them then when you would following an example.
"With great power comes great responsibility"
Powers:
Alrighty then, now it's time for the fun section; the powers. Now, I know you've been reading this for a while, thinking, 'When is he gonna get to the powers?! I have so many ideas!' But slow down. Powers are great, yeah, but they have to be wary. No 'over the top' superpowers, like snapping your fingers and a rifle pops into existence or imagining victory and gaining victory. No. They have to be somewhat possible. That, and there have to be limits to using your power(s), since there has to be balance for all of this to work. Checks and balances, my friends, checks and balances.
Weapons See powers
Strengths/Abilities: See powers
Weaknesses: See powers
"All it takes is one bad day to reduce
the sanest man alive to lunacy,"
the sanest man alive to lunacy,"
History:
This is pretty basic, right? Tell the history of your character. From their birth to present day, tell us what happened. In around 3-5 paragraphs. We want something to read, not reference.
"Next time guys, we should just
rebuild this place outta Lego."
rebuild this place outta Lego."
Writing Sample:
No length requirement, just give us the best that you've got.
I can't possibly make this any easier
"I'm through talking, get out of my cave,"
Your name/alias: you nick name, character name simple :D
Timezone:
Template created by chainedANGEL of CAUTION! 2.0. Please leave the credits intact and do not rip and claim as your own.