Does your character not generate as much interest in The Community as you would like?
Is playing your character becoming tiresome and boring?
Feel like there could be more to your character?

Take a few minutes to read through and think about the following questions and topics and see if there are any weak areas in your characters development.

1. What species is your character? Are they an Endless Forest deer? Normal deer? Something else?

Things to think about:
-Other players will see your character as a deer, regardless of how you want it to appear. Chances are they won’t be able to tell your deer is something else based on In Forest first impressions.

Example: If your character is a carnivorous wolf, it is unfair to assume other players will know this and accept your character eating theirs.

Instead Try:
-Make a biography, explaining your character’s species. Get the word out.
-Tailor your character’s In Forest actions to how their species would act.
This might mean researching your chosen species a bit.

Fun Fact: A lone wolf will rarely attack a grown stag unless trapped or starving. Research and make sure you understand how your character’s species acts in a variety of situations.


2. Does your character have any special powers (above and beyond forest magic)?

Things to think about:
-Can these powers be accurately portrayed in The Forest, if not, they might be better off restricted to Role Play, artwork, or creative writing.

Example: The idea of a character who can fly could easily be acted out in The Forest. A character who can transform into a human, can not.

-Could these powers be used to control or negatively influence other characters?

Example: If your character can poison others, it is best to ask before assuming another character you have met In Forest has been poisoned. The player of that character might not have known or want their character influenced in this way. Ask first, influence later!


3. If so, why does your character have this power(s)? Were they born with them? Earned them? Rewarded with them? Stole them?

Things to think about:
-“Because it’s cool!” Is a fun reason, not an interesting one.

Example: Having a character that is invincible or over-powered does not make for an interesting character. It makes for a boring, hard to interact with one.

Instead Try:
-Limiting your character’s powers to ones that make sense within the limitations of The Forest.
-Give your character a range of weaknesses, nobody is perfect.

Fun Fact: Did you know Kryptonite was put into the Superman storyline because the writers had written themselves into a corner? They had made Superman too strong, none of his enemies could defeat him. The comics were becoming tired and repetitive, all because Superman had too many powers.


4. Is your character from a certain time period? If so, are they a reasonable representation of something/someone from that time in history?

Things to think about:
-All time periods have different views and ideals associated with them, tailor your character's personality accordingly.

Example: If your character is from a time when women were seen as second class citizens, it would be very unusual for them to own property, a car, work in certain professions, or to be treated in a non-bias way.

Instead Try:
-Reading about the era your character comes from. Wikipedia is usually enough to give you an idea for how your character would have been treated and how they would have developed.
-This does not mean your character has to be sexist or racist, if that makes you uncomfortable. But be aware they would be part of a small, open minded minority.


5. How does your character respond to others? Are they mean? If so, why?

Things to think about:
-There is nothing wrong with having a mean character. However, just as with real people, there should be a reason for your character's cruel outlook on life. Avoid playing a character in a mean way simply because you want to be mean yourself.

Instead Try:
-Developing your character's past. Were they treated in a way that caused them to be bias or mean themselves?
-Base your character's feelings on In Forest roleplay. Does your character hold a grudge against certain characters? This could lead to fun role play between you and the willing player of those characters.


In Closing

Making a character can be an incredibly personal act, they are our representation within The Forest. They allow us to relax, shed the troubles of the day and enjoy a more imaginative environment. However you are not the only person who cares about your character.

In the best case, your character is well developed and fits well within the world of The Endless Forest. Other players are interested in them and enjoy interacting with them and in turn, with you. A well rounded, fully developed character is a joy to witness and makes The Endless Forest experience that much more special. Do your best to make your characters more than just a shallow representation of the popular or edgy. Development and make them something worth getting interested in!

This blog is also a good place to offer up advice on character development, or to ask for honest feedback if you've run into a snag with one of your own characters. It doesn't matter how long you've had the character, development can happen at any stage!