1. Character Composition Pages 65 to 79 January 29th
Chapter 2
Character Composition Pages 65 to 79 January 29th

2. Objectives
Explore the role and function of a character and the ways in which these are determined by the purpose of the character in the game.
Detail the important aspects of designing characters.
Outline the character-design process. (This was an assignment!)

3. Driving Characters
Understanding the role and function of characters is very important for design….You need to know the purpose of the character!
2 categories:
A gameplay-attributed character only needs the physical features required to complete the game objectives….only need the attributes or qualities of the character…easiest to develop!
A story-based character conveys some portion of the game story….is the main character…the purpose of the story moves the character along.

4. Driving Characters (Continued)
Is learning and understanding the cause of a problem that affects others.
Throughout the game story, the main character faces choices or a conflict between core values
The character changes through situational enlightenment or self-enlightenment
There are four main intangible features of a character
Motivation
Purpose
Methodology
System of Evaluation
Is learning and understanding problems and flaws within you.

5. Intangible Features of a Character
Motivation
Purpose
Methodology
System of Evaluation
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

6. Driving Characters (Continued)
Motivation is the cause for a character to begin an action
Purpose is the character’s reason for existing or primary duty
Methodology is the general rules or principles for how a character does things
A system of evaluation is used to judge the motivation, purpose, and methodology

7. Designing Characters
To build character depth, a character profile or background is created
There are three ways in which game designers display character attributes
Appearance and aesthetics
Thoughts and conversations
Actions

8. Designing Characters (Continued)
Aesthetics is how pleasing to the eye the appearance is
Thoughts are the character’s internal dialog
Conversations are external dialog the character has with others in the game
Actions are what the character does
In addition to developing a character, game designers use semiotics

9. Designing Characters (Continued)
An archetype is a universal character that is easily identifiable by any culture
In video games, the standard archetypes are
Hero
Shadow
Mentor
Helper
Guardian
Trickster
Herald

10. Designing Characters (Continued)
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

11. Designing Characters (Continued)
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

12. Character Design Process
A series of steps is used to create a final character
Create concept art
Create model sheets
Create movement sketches
Create expression sketches
Create sketches for weapons and accessories
Create mockups
Create renderings

13. Character Design Process (Continued)
Concept art is the first iteration of the visual appearance of a character or other element
Model sheets show sketches of different poses and viewing angles
A movement sketch is a few frames of animation to show movements
Expression sketches show a set of body positions and facial expressions for emotions

14. Character Design Process (Continued)
Art for weapons and accessories is also important
A mockup is a physical representation of the character or game element (used along with sketches to create final renderings)
When all sketches are approved, the art team begins to render the character images
This step is detailed and time consuming

15. Do you think it would be more difficult to design a character who is a protagonist or one who is an antagonist? Why?
Do you think game designers can display character attributes more effectively though appearance and aesthetics, thoughts and conversations, or actions? Give examples to explain your choice.