/r/characterforge

Photograph via snooOG

The Character Forge is a place for people to come together in creating characters for works of fiction: RPGs, video games, books, shows, etc.

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Welcome to the Forge!

The Character Forge is a place where people come together in helping each other with the task of creating original characters; we can appreciate that Fan Fiction exists (and it is allowed here) but this community should thrive on the creative process involved in forging new characters!

So, if you have an RPG, video game, piece of writing, show or whatever else that is in need of a character, grab a hammer and enter the Forge; you've come to the right place.


Posting Guidelines:

Please tag your post at the beginning. AutoMod will be on the lookout for the following tags so it can flair your post:

[Help] - Use this tag for when you want help with some facet of your character. Also usable if you have general questions about character creation.

[Criticism] - Kind of like help, but for completed character profiles, use this tag if you want feedback. For those giving feedback, please give constructive criticism.

[Resource] - This tag will serve to identify tools (software/apps, guides, repositories, etc) to help people create characters. Also what you should use if you have some personal tips or tricks you'd like to share.

[Show and Tell] - Feeling proud? Use this tag to show off a character you've created. Also great if you have an image.

[Challenge] or [Contest] Want to issue a summons for other Forgers to test their and their characters' mettle in a situation? How about creating a character with given constraints? Put forth a Challenge.

[Discussion] or [Talk] Want to start a discussion about something topical? Something not quite "meta" enough, like sparking discussion about other Forgers' characters? Discussing best practices? Well then let's get talking!

[FanFic] - If you're working on some FanFic and need help developing the character further (i.e. how a change in setting/universe could or will change the character) use this tag.

[Erotic] - Even if it's not necessarily erotica, AutoMod will keep an eye out for this tag too so it can NSFW the post in case you forget. Can (I hope?) be used in combination with other tags.

[Meta] We'd like the sub to remain as on-topic as possible, but can't ignore the possibility that meta discussions will happen. When they do, they'll get the ole Meta tag.


Short Rules (full rules here):

SR #1 - Don't be a dick.

SR #2 - No, seriously, don't be a dick.

SR #3 - Follow reddit's site-wide rules and reddiquette.

SR #4 - Please remember: downvote does not equal disagree!


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  • /r/characterforge

    16,225 Subscribers

    3

    [Show and Tell] Arthan: Service to a weak king or reclaim the throne? (+lore)

    1 Comment
    2024/12/06
    07:00 UTC

    2

    [Criticism] Got the Lads all Spiffy for a Party, do their designs give off enough personality to help tell them apart?

    0 Comments
    2024/12/04
    06:39 UTC

    1

    [Discussion] What abilities should a quartet of characters who embody seasons should have that aren’t cliche?

    Looking for Criticism or assistance For a story that I’ve been writing a while I have a quartet of people who each embody a season, and I could just go the straightforward route for each and just give them fire/ice/water/grass abilities respectively but I want to have depth for each since a season isn’t just known for one aspect. They all share the wind ability for cohesion.

    I do have an idea of what I want for each

    For winter I want wind to be the basis of it but trying to avoid Ice and cold isn’t going well

    For fall I’ve written down decay, fog and just a few steps below vampirism.

    For summer trying to avoid fire but I might just cave on the heat/fire/wind

    And finally for spring i have the direct opposite of Autumn, so energy bestowal and just energy in general, also thinking about caving on the grass with that aspect too lmaoo

    Any input is welcome

    0 Comments
    2024/11/14
    16:42 UTC

    1

    [Discussion] How to make filler?

    So I'm making a like a graphic novel series, and I have all the main story plots and lore... But I'm trying to like stretch the story out across a few books. But if I'm going to do that, I need to add filler. But when I say filler, I want it to have lore and plot relevance but still feel like it drives away from the journey that they are embarking on. Any ideas on how to make/come up with filler like this?

    4 Comments
    2024/11/12
    02:52 UTC

    8

    [Discussion] How to make an immortal regenerative being happy?

    So in this collaborative world building project me and my friends do, one of the main characters died but he was immortal. This character had seen everything from the beginning of the universe until his death, he had countless relationships and seen countless wars but his family would always inevitably die know matter what he did. Anyway, essentially this character died, but a group of cultists brought him back to life against his will. So now he is like really suicidal and all of his friends are dead. Thematically how could he get out of this low point in his life?

    5 Comments
    2024/10/26
    22:29 UTC

    2

    [Discussion] What do you think about my MC, Is there anything I should change about him, Does he have a boring personality

    Basic Information

    • Name: Malik Orou
    • Age: 28
    • Height: 6'5"
    • Build: Muscular
    • Ethnicity: Nigerian-Benin
    • Appearance:
      • Short black sponged hair
      • Various scars, including a significant tank shot scar on his back and multiple combat scars
      • A diagonal scar running from his left cheek to his jawline

    Personality

    • Traits: Fierce, relentless, no-nonsense attitude, driven by a strong sense of duty.
    • Morals: Guided by his Christian faith; makes tough decisions regardless of how grim they seem.

    Background

    • Origin: Born to Nigerian-Benin parents in Canada.
    • Childhood Trauma: Survived a city-wide disaster (a nuclear explosion) at age 6.
    • Training: Trained by Rigsaw alongside his comrades, Snow and Draven Blackwood.
    • Key Event: At age 18, killed Draven during a battle to prevent him from opening a portal to the Realm of Violence.
    • Post-Tragedy: Rigsaw was later killed, influencing Malik's decision to adopt the persona of the Gear Hunter.

    Role in the Story

    • Leadership: Founded the Rust Eyed Tigers after being released from military prison at age 19.
    • Recruitment: Brought in Kenji, Henry Dalton, Javier Castro, and Joseph Con into the syndicate.
    • Sacrifice: Sacrificed himself at age 25 to defeat Midas, a formidable robot, emerging stronger from trials in the Realm of Violence.
    • Return: At 28, he returned to Earth, reclaimed his leadership of the Rust Eyed Tigers, and engaged in a war against Draven (now leading BEARS), ultimately killing him.

    Powers and Abilities

    • No Superpowers: Malik has no inherent powers but possesses exceptional skills and abilities.
    • Weaponry: Can summon a variety of weapons by crushing coins, including:
      • Shape-Shifting Machete: Infused with his soul (chi).
      • Spiked Club (Ogunlade): Generates purple shockwaves, absorbs attacks, and releases them.
      • Rust-Inducing Axes (Rhe).
      • Chainsaw GreatSword (Ajagun).
      • Gauntlets (Osahon): Can change sizes.
      • Chains (Ajakele).
      • Mini-gun (Igbese).
      • Metallic Wings (Eagle).
      • Realm Key.

    Enhanced Physical Abilities

    • Physical Strength: Superhuman strength, speed, endurance, intelligence, and stamina.
    • Combat Skills: Master of all martial arts, with a preference for Muay Thai.
    • Fighting Techniques:
      • Cores: Specific techniques that release bursts of combat energy:
        • Force Core
        • Flash Core
        • Razum Core (Thinking)
        • Iron Core (Durability)
    • Advanced Senses: Enhanced sense of danger and power levels.

    Weaknesses

    • Imperfect Vision and Hearing: Makes him sensitive to distractions, affecting his combat effectiveness.

    Gear and Appearance

    • Gear Hunter Alter Ego:
      • Helmet: Green with orange eye slots.
      • Torso: Black body cyber suit, bulletproof.
      • Pants: Black baggy pants.
      • Jacket: Blast-proof heavy military jacket.

    Companions

    • Dogs:
      • A male staffy named Saw.
      • A female rottweiler named Rig.
      • Kenji a 27 year old samurai and his second in command (Best friend)
      • Henry Dalton a 54 walking tank his third in command
      • Javier a 25 year old sharpshooter and the fourth in command
      • Joseph a 19 year old living fire hazard and fifth in command
    5 Comments
    2024/10/24
    23:32 UTC

    5

    [Show and Tell] “Jumping Spider”

    Ive been thinking about a type of enemy in a story i want to make so what if humans had all the abilities of general grievous? these humans were originally disheartened soldiers, POWs, resistance fighters, or “the sinful”. Test subjects would be abducted, sedated and transformed into monsters, these half alive humans would be subjugated to months or even years of “testing”, it involved physical and mental torture with controlled blood loss through stabbing or cutting, constant beatings leading to bruises and broken bones, burning parts of their body, staying in white padded rooms for a long period of time. all of which were happening in underground test sites underneath churches and government buildings, the tortured would be held by iron cuffs on their arm and legs, dangling them in the air. all of which to train them to be selfless soldiers of war. their bodies deformed, skin to bone would be fed through tubes and incase of becoming tired, automated needles full of adrenaline would singularly stab into their bodies. their small mass was thought to be useful in dodging and weaving attacks as well as quick movement and jumping. Similar to grievous, they could split their arms into 4 except since they’re human, their two arms has been surgically allowed to be attachable and removable. they wield sharp straight swords with a flat top and a bandolier around their pelvis to store swords. they are purely military weapons as once their task is completed, they will be so exhausted from fighting their bodies will collapse and have no energy left and if otherwise, a scientist or “handler” will sedate them, making them unconscious where they are then brought to their holding cell. general public have no idea of their existence outside of head figures in the government and church although rumors and reports have surfaced of “Jumping Spiders” during the night. outside of combat, these monsters are then thrown into a cell strapped to an angeled platform where they get fed and sleep. the subjects early after surgery will be in constant discomfort and pain wishing for their death however, during surgery an implant was given to resist any and all suicidal tendencies or thoughts. The majority of those that are given surgery die from testing, combat, organ failure. but it is unknowingly possible to escape from the labs, however difficult it is has never been documented in personal or private records. They are also mentally scarred as most make loud groaning noises or not even a sound. Lastly their abilities are high jump and vault distance, sticking to landings or areas using their swords, ambidextrous with both hands and feet, high hand/eye coordination with swords through blocking, attacking with all swords, and placement of body for better power and defense, surprising strength such as being able to keep up with multiple different enemy deadlocks and grip.

    Don’t know if i will expand on this idea but eitherway TLDR: scary human general grevious

    0 Comments
    2024/10/24
    22:42 UTC

    4

    [Discussion] Main Character Concept : Lexilia Octavia Noctura Maxime of Hielion. Thoughts?

    Character Dossier: Lexilia Octavia Noctura Maxime of Hielion

    https://preview.redd.it/ntw4gub2zzvd1.jpg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3475203fb1b8de363b690e77dc057504940ebfc

    Basic Information

     Full Name: Lexilia Octavia Noctura Maxime of Hielion

     Age: 24

     Gender: Female (She/Her)

     Species: Human

     Appearance

     Physical Description: 

       Hair: Blonde

       Eyes: Blueish grey

       Height: 6 feet 2 inches

       Build: Slim, slightly muscular

     Attire: 

       Usually wears simple fabric clothing

       Has a near skin-tight metallic battle suit (image to be provided later)

     Background

     Birthplace: Royal palace on Hielion

     Family:

       Father: High Emperor Maxime

       Mother: Queen Noctura of Hielion

       Siblings: 11 (7 brothers and 4 sisters)

       Relationship: Poor relationship with most siblings; close to her mother and two sisters (Maria and Namora)

     Childhood: 

       Sheltered upbringing focused on studying and etiquette

       Developed skills in technology, becoming a skilled engineer and roboticist

     Personality

     Traits: 

       Smart, tactical, kind, polite, quizzical, curious, determined, and occasionally headstrong

     Strengths:

       Decently skilled warrior proficient with twohanded weapons

       Main skill lies in technological knowledge

     Weaknesses:

       Not as physically strong as some comrades

       Easily manipulated

       Vulnerable due to her strong love for her sisters and mother

     Goals and Motivations

     Personal Goals: 

       Understand and limit the excessive evils committed by her father's empire

       Ensure that necessary evils are minimised and infrequent

     Beliefs: 

       Some evils are needed for the majority to live in peace, but they should be kept to a minimum

     Conflict: 

       Realisation that her father's empire is not as perfect as she believed

     Relationships

     Allies: TBD

     Rivals: Half-brother Arthur, who vies for the throne and is the most trusted heir

     Romantic Interests: TBD

     Additional Details

     Hobbies/Interests: Tinkering with technology

     Fears: The unknown; attempts to prepare for every possibility

     Secrets: TBD

     Quirks: Lexilia is autistic (Asperger's)

    CREDIT FOR ART :> https://pin.it/1LmivZNgJ

    5 Comments
    2024/10/20
    23:41 UTC

    5

    [Discussion] Can a teenage character face a dilemma about killing, and/or kill and face the consequences of it, without breaking the suspension of disbelief?

    Title pretty much says it all. I want to write an arc where a character of mine, who questions his humanity and feels guilt for being alive since he feels responsible for the suicide of his ex (whose family also blamed him, pretty much convincing him it was his fault), is forced to kill someone for the sake of others/his own survival.

    I was wondering if this would break the suspension of disbelief for the story, since it would be a large shift from what a reader may be expecting/used to. If the process of death is important, it would either be a result of the character being forced to defend others in some sort of armed assault (probably a robbery), or they would be forced to kill another character for the sake of everyone else's survival.

    In addition, I'd like for your thoughts on such a dilemma for a character; killing, moving on with their life after such a thing, and dealing with the morality issues that sprouts from it.

    For anyone who is more interested in the specs of the story, then here is a more detailed explanation. Inside said story, people develop a sort of mosaic, or alternate reality that they can go to at certain opportunities when they wish to. It's a manifestation of their individual trauma and pain, a result of suicidal ideation, and some even cause abnormal effects on reality. The main protagonist, in his quest to help people out of guilt for being alive and the reasons above, spends the course of the story assisting the people who suffer from mosaics, developing alongside them.
    In the mid-point of the story, after the main protagonist comes to terms with himself, his emotions, accepting that he has earned the right to live and be happy by virtue of being born, and stops treating himself poorly. After each mosaic, the next one gets stronger and has more adverse affects on reality. In the mid-way point, the protagonist, his friends, and the character that suffers from the ailment, all perceive the world in a manner with which makes them perfectly happy, as if life is perfect.
    The character manifesting this mosaic is terminally ill and, longing for a normal life, manifests it through the mosaic causing effects on the real world. In order to live the life the protagonist wants to live, he has to let this character die, leaving her to her reality. He undergoes a process of dealing with mourning her, once again feeling like he had killed someone, and dealing with that pain.

    3 Comments
    2024/10/19
    07:47 UTC

    3

    [Help] The Chocomancer

    That's pretty much all I've got so far. He does magic with chocolate. He can conjure chocolate (including variations. Essentially, he can make pretty much any candy bar that there is). He was employed by the king, but his employment became more like a prison and he escaped.

    I'm trying to figure out a story for him. What kind of adventures he can go on. What conflicts he might have? What is a lie/misbelief he might have?

    2 Comments
    2024/10/08
    16:48 UTC

    6

    [Discussion] Does it make sense for a person to develop agoraphobia if they experience having very little control over their own fate or life?

    I'm writing a character in a futuristic setting who was basically forced against his will into indentured military service as a mech pilot in return for lifetime cancer treatment. This was done by his family members who saw no other options and did not have the finances for alternative means, so they basically sold him so hat he would have a chance of living without even asking his feelings on the matter.

    Because of this complete lack of agency, the character in question only feel sefe and calm in enviornments where he has the most agency over his own life, that being the inside of his quarters and the cockpit of the chassis he has bee assigned to pilot. The smaller the space, the more hands-on control you have, after all.

    1 Comment
    2024/09/28
    20:09 UTC

    6

    [Show and Tell]Demigods and Faction leaders of “My Grimoire”

    Here is a collection of characters from my series “My Grimoire”. Pick any of the characters above, and ask me any questions that you might have about them:

    Top Row:

    1. Wufei Lao
    2. Suzuka Madarame
    3. Zayd Al’Fayruz
    4. Ethan Larson
    5. Selena Cruz
    6. Finley McCormack
    7. Eric Haraldsson
    8. Ammar Rami
    9. Eleni Tafari
    10. Hyun Woo-Jin
    11. Spiros Vlachos

    Middle Row 12. Malik Khelifi 13. Aana Qamaniq 14. Kian Farhad 15. Aeneas 16. Esmeralda Bethsalem 17. Aurelian Sinclair 18. William Jericho 19. Theo Pensiento 20. Milliardo Ambrose 21. Morgan Le Fay

    Bottom Row 22. Atabey 23. Suetake Shinbei 24. Kubera 25. Sita 26. Cu Chulainn 27. Guinevere 28. Clovis 29. Romulus 30. Irene 31. Menelik 32. Saladin

    1 Comment
    2024/09/20
    23:13 UTC

    0

    [Help]

    Can someone please make this character in the Saints Row reboot and send me the share code or formula? I’m on PS5.

    2 Comments
    2024/09/13
    15:54 UTC

    31

    [discussion] just because a character is curvy, does not mean they have to be or even are sexualized

    Good god I’m tired of every female character that has a larger chest or curves being hyper sexualized, especially with clothing.

    Like, a lot of female characters of all body types are overly sexualized, we’ve made a lot of progress but it’s still a problem for everyone. But good I’m just asking for ONE, ONE female character that has a large chest and curves who is dressed the same as any other character, and who’s whole personality and existence isn’t defined by gooners.

    As for character redesigns, listen I love when people put characters in clothing and designs that actually look good and interesting and aren’t solely fan service (cough, hoyoverse, cough). But some of y’all (NOT ALL) really love removing any semblance of a character’s figure because it’s somehow fundamentally “sexual.”

    Having large breasts isn’t fundamentally sexual

    Having a large butt isn’t fundamentally sexual

    Having curves isn’t fundamentally sexual

    Having large thighs isn’t fundamentally sexual

    You can give characters intricate, meaningful, and beautiful clothing, and still have them be curvy! You can make a curvy character and have them not be sexualized!

    I would like to see characters of all backgrounds, ethnicities, weights, heights, abilities, etc. Who have a body like me, who aren’t gooner bait. Is it that hard to ask for?

    2 Comments
    2024/09/08
    13:51 UTC

    1

    [discussion] yell at me for my ocs being mary sues

    leave a comment and ill give you a character bio to yell at me about

    5 Comments
    2024/08/28
    06:08 UTC

    0

    [Show and Tell] Immovable object and Unstoppable force in one entity.

    17 Comments
    2024/08/22
    19:34 UTC

    9

    [Show and Tell] Doll.

    0 Comments
    2024/08/21
    16:06 UTC

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