Character Design
In Video Games, a character is a person, creature or entity that can be controlled or interacted with.
Characters can be broken down into:
- Playable Characters (PCs)
- Non-Playable Characters (NPCs)
Character Traits
Traits are the special features, behaviours or abilities that can make a character unique. They are things that characters can do.
- Masterchief from Halo has Armor that can take damage and regenerates over time.
- Mario from Super Mario can jump on top of enemies to beat them.
- Sonic from Sonic the Hedgehog can turn into a ball to move fast.
Some traits are common in games, but some traits are unique to certain game genres.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Backstory | The events and experiences that shaped the character before the game begins. |
| Skills | Special abilities the character has (e.g. hacking, flying, sword fighting). |
| Weapons | Tools or items they use to fight or defend (e.g. laser gun, bow). |
| History | Important events from the past that still affect the character. |
| Family | People they are related to or care about. |
| Hobbies | Activities they enjoy in their free time. |
| Job | What they do for a living or what their mission is. |
| Companions | Friends, allies, or pets that help them on their journey. |
| Appearance | What they look like – clothes, features, height, style. |
| Fears | Things they are scared of or want to avoid. |
| Role | Their main purpose or responsibility in the story. |
| Personality | What they are like – kind, brave, funny, grumpy, etc. |
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the basics—adding unusual or surprising traits can make your characters truly unforgettable.
Character Design Help
Below is a collection of prompts to help you explore character design. Simply answer the questions that apply to your characters.
View Character Design Prompts
Basic Details
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What is their name?
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What do they look like?
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How old are they?
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What do they wear?
Backstory and Motivation
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Where are they from?
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What happened in their past that shaped them?
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What do they want most in life?
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What is holding them back?
Role in the Game
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Are they the hero, villain, or something else?
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Why are they the main character?
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What is their mission or goal?
Relationships
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Who is their main opponent or enemy?
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Do they have any friends, sidekicks, or pets?
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Is there someone they want to protect?
Personality and Traits
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How do they act under pressure?
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What are they afraid of?
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Are they funny, serious, clever, kind, or sneaky?
Powers and Abilities
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Do they have any special skills or powers?
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What weapons or tools do they use?