Game Development Essentials An Introduction

Chapter 5 Character creating the identity

Key Chapter Questions ■ How are game characters different from characters in other media? ■ What are avatars and how do they relate to player identity? ■ How does visual character development differ from other forms of character development in games? ■ What are some character types and archetypes, and how do they relate to story structure? ■ What are several purposes of dialogue in games?

Game Characters Player character (avatar) (Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft) Non-player character [NPC] (Black & White: Creature Isle)

Character Types Animal Fantasy Mythic Historical Licensed

Protagonist Sherlock Holmes (The Mystery of the Mummy) Kate Walker (Syberia)

Antagonist Wario – Mario’s antagonist Types of antagonists: Transformational Mistaken Exaggerated Realistic

Co-Protagonists Mario & Luigi Jak & Daxter

Supporting Characters Allies Henchmen

Character Archetypes Hero Shadow Mentor Allies Guardian Trickster Herald

Character Triangle

Character Arc

Point of View (POV) Far CryTomb Raider

Visual Character Development Techniques

Verbal Character Development Dialogue Reveals character Reveals emotion Advances the plot Reveals conflict Establishes relationships Comments on action

Character Movement Signature Idle Walking cycle Mario’s walking cycle reflects his personality

Background, History & Advancement Class & race (Icewind Dale II) Skill (Neverwinter Nights)

Character Description Name Type Gender/age Physical appearance Background & history Personality characteristics Vocal characteristics Relevance to story synopsis

Summary Game characters Character types Protagonist Antagonist Co-Protagonists Supporting characters Character archetypes Character triangle Character arc Point-of-View (POV) Visual character development Verbal character development Character movement Background, history & advancement Character description