1. Game Development Essentials An Introduction

2. Chapter 5 Character creating the identity

3. 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?

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

5. Character Types Animal Fantasy Mythic Historical Licensed

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

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

8. Co-Protagonists Mario & Luigi Jak & Daxter

9. Supporting Characters Allies Henchmen

10. Character Archetypes Hero Shadow Mentor Allies Guardian Trickster Herald

11. Character Triangle

12. Character Arc

13. Point of View (POV) Far CryTomb Raider

14. Visual Character Development Techniques

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

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

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

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

19. 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