Great characters, whether its D&D or any other work of fiction, are not built on stats and skills alone. A great character is nuanced, layered, and full of surprises. Whether you're a veteran DM or a beginner player, here are five fun and easy ways to add some depth to your next character.
1. Tap into the Zodiac
Is your character a fiery Leo or a reserved, logical Virgo? Whether or not you believe in astrology, zodiac signs offer a tidy framework for consistent personality traits. A Cancer might be sentimental and protective, while a Scorpio could harbor secret grudges (or secret crushes, ooh la la).
If zodiac signs aren't your thing, this is a quick way to bundle some core traits that are easy to stick to, if struggling. For the ambitious, you could even assign a Tarot card, MBTI type, or Enneagram to your character.
2. Add a Signature Quirk
This one was mentioned in our Five Ways to Stay in Character post, but catchphrases, gestures, or unique vocal styles can really help bring your character to life. Mannerisms make characters memorable, and the more fun, the more memorable. Think like an actor; what little habits or ticks set your character apart?
Maybe your barbarian reaches for his axe when he's feeling socially awkward. Maybe your rogue confidently whispers "I am the Shadow," before every stealth check. Maybe your wizard gets snacky before a battle. Let your character's quirks flow through you!
3. An Anchor Memory = Instant Depth
Who doesn't love a flashback?
What's one formative memory your character will never forget, or maybe hasn't fully healed from? Were they betrayed by a childhood friend? Does the smell of fresh bread make them wistfully remember their grandparents' bakery?
Anchor memories don't have to necessarily be private, but a single strong memory (or memories) can inform a lifetime of behaviors and guide your roleplay in unexpected ways.
4. Fears, Favorites, and Fixations
My rough-and-tough Vengeance Paladin drives the rest of the party crazy with his constant cravings for tea. He's always on the lookout for herbs, but is terrified of poison and won't let anyone else prepare it for him. This fear, favorite, and fixation helps shape the character, even if its in a small, quirky way. It shows he has a very human need for something simple and comforting - a warm drink - amidst all the chaos of adventure.
Everyone has little loves and irrational loathings. Maybe your character is afraid of spiders, or obsessed with collecting shiny buttons. Maybe they crave rare and exotic cheeses and get annoyed by the sound of children playing. These quirks don't have to be deep, but they do make your character feel real.
These can also be revealed at unexpected times in surprising ways, adding to the fun of the campaign and your character's growth.
5. Give them a secret
What's one thing your character would never tell the rest of the party? Because it's shameful, or dangerous, or something they don't fully even understand themselves. Perhaps there's a dark family history, your barbarian is attracted to goblins, or your human fighter has a partial tail he's embarrassed by (this really came up in a game).
Whether or not the secret comes out in-game, it will help shape how your character reacts to the world around them.
Don't forget:
Like real people, characters are allowed to change. Growth is interesting, it can move the story forward and shape your bonds with your other players and the game world around them.
Though your character might come into focus quicker, you don't need to lock in every detail by Session Zero. Some of the most entertaining moments happen when new traits reveal themselves in-play. Plus, a little mystery can go a long way.
Looking for even more ways to bring your adventures to life? Our QuestLine Collection is built for storytellers who crave deeper campaign immersion through scent.
