Intro to Narrative Design III - Character Development

Hey there gamers and writers and developers! We're back with another exciting topic in Narrative Design for video games – Character Development!

So, what is Character Development, you ask? Well, simply put, it's the process of creating an interesting believable and somewhat relatable character that players can connect with. A well-developed character has depth, complexity, and a unique personality that sets them apart from other characters in the game.

Character Development is essential to a video game's success, as it allows players to become emotionally invested in the story and the characters they're playing. A well-developed character can make the difference between a forgettable game and an unforgettable one.

So, what are the key elements of Character Development? Let's take a look:

1. Backstory: A character's backstory provides context for their motivations, personality, and actions. It's the foundation for their development and gives players a glimpse into their past experiences that have shaped them into who they are today.

One example of a character with a compelling backstory is Kratos from the God of War series. Kratos was once a Spartan warrior who became the God of War after he killed the former God. His backstory explains why he's so ruthless and driven, and how his past experiences have shaped his actions in the game.

2. Motivation: A character's motivation is what drives them forward in the game. It's what makes them tick and gives them a reason to keep fighting, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Joel from The Last of Us is a great example of a well-motivated character. His motivation to deliver Ellie to the Fireflies in the hope of finding a cure for the deadly virus that has ravaged the world drives him throughout the game, giving players a clear sense of purpose and direction.

3. Personality: A character's personality is what makes them unique and sets them apart from other characters in the game. It's what gives them their charm, wit, or even their flaws.

One example of a character with a memorable personality is GLaDOS from Portal. Her sarcastic humor and passive-aggressive remarks make her a fan favorite, adding depth and personality to an otherwise sterile game environment.

4. Growth and Change: A character's growth and change throughout the game are what make them relatable and believable. It's what makes them feel like real people, capable of learning from their mistakes and evolving over time.

Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn is a fantastic example of a character with significant growth and change. At the start of the game, she's generally a suspicious person and doesn't treat people she encounters with kindness unless they're really in need of help. But as she progresses through the story, she learns more about herself, the world she lives in, and the importance of letting people help her and trusting people enough to be part of a community again. Her growth and change make her a relatable and likeable character that players can connect with.

Character Development is an essential part of Narrative Design for video games, providing players with memorable and relatable characters that they can connect with emotionally. By understanding the key elements of Character Development, Narrative Designers can create characters that are rich, complex, and unique, adding depth and personality to the overall gaming experience. So, next time you play your favorite game, take a moment to appreciate the well-developed characters and how they add to the overall narrative of the game.

If you need help developing characters in your game, feel free to drop me an email at olivernarrativedesign@outlook.com