Character Development
From VEWiki
Contents |
Biography
A Biography (often shortened to 'bio'), is a short synopsis or description of a character. Biographies are required for all Navy members and serve as the basis for all squadron writing. Without a bio, a member could not properly distinguish one character from another.
Requirements
While most of the biography content is up to the pilot, there are a few required details to ensure that his/her bio will be used effectively.
The three basic sections of every bio are:
- Physical description
- Emotional 'profile'
- Brief character history
Though it may look like a short list, these three basic ideas can provide the best biographies, if done properly. Biographies helps a person to fully visualize a character, making it easier to write about/with them. When you join a new squadron, the members are going to want to include you and the best way they can get your character involved with a story is to know a little about you: Enter the biography.
Note however, that bios do not have to be the character's entire life: the point of creating a bio now is to give you a base from which to work. As you learn and grow here in the VEN, so will your bio, and you can add things in as you please.
The following sections give you some helpful tips in forming your character in each area.
Physical Description: When we say physical, we're talking about how your character looks: this includes everything from facial features, body type, to clothes they like to wear when not on duty. The important thing to note here is: give details.
Example: One could describe a character as puny by saying "Often appears hunched over or slouched, doesn't fill his uniform fully, etc... Alternatively, one might describe a stronger man as, "Physically fit, stands up straight, strong build and muscular definition all around."
They don't have to be perfect definitions, but you're just trying to acquaint us with the physical presence of your character, so people get an idea of how to describe them in stories. It might also be an idea to add a little flavor to your character by describing notable features such as tattoos or piercings, but again this is entirely up to you.
Some of the recommended physical attributes you should include are: height, hair color/style, eye color, skin color/shade, weight, race, plus notable features, like scars and such.
Emotional Description: This is the core of your character: it's what brings it to life and makes them memorable. Simply put, the emotional description entails how a person acts and why - essentially, this is their 'personality'. Now, it's understandable if someone doesn’t want to reveal a whole lot about his/her character at first, but the basics are needed so that others can interact with you.
A tip on how to start developing your characters personality is this: ponder what would happen if someone said "Hello," to them. Your character's reaction are part of who they are: would they say, "Howdy!", or "Shut Up!"? Perhaps "Leave Me Alone!", "What?", or maybe just a simple "Hi," right back? From here, think about why they would say that, taking into account their history which you will be covered in the next section.
History: People are often defined by their past, whether it be where they grew up, or what they did, or even how they were treated. A characters past is a part of them, it shapes them in the present, and adds context to their future. You characters history need not be complex, or particular detailed. Indeed, we urge you not to lay out their entire life story, as this can be taxing, and hard to figure out. You'll probably change your mind at a later date anyway
The important aspects of the character history are the events/circumstances etc... that lead them to join the Vast Empire. This is key, since there are any number of factions you could have joined in this time period, and we're not the easiest one to reach. Do you 'know' someone who is in the VE? Have you been here before? Did you stumble upon it by random chance? Or are you looking to start a new life? Whatever it is, tell us, so we can glean insights into your characters motives.
Further Notes: At the end of the day use your own judgment on what you should include in your bio. After all it is YOUR character, but do remember that they are graded on both content and appearance, as well as plausibility. It might be good to provide any extra information, like favorite activities, hated activities, pet peeves, minor mental or physical problems, etc... Even the most trivial things can be useful for someone trying to read-up and understand your character.
Restrictions
As a new member, we don't allow you to use the Force or affiliate, really in any way, with it; that means no mysterious holocrons or lightsabers, in short. We know most people want to be Jedi or use the Force, but you have to bear in mind a couple of things. If you make a couple of hints toward force sensitivity, we're not going to go crazy, but if you're truly interested in using the Force, you need to look into the Dark Jedi Order (DJO). Why not? First and foremost, the time period we are in (at the moment, 8/9 ABY); virtually all Jedi and Sith have been eradicated with the exception of those mentioned in the books and movies. Also, we feel that the ability to use the Force in your writing is a privilege that you must earn; if you cannot write without it, you don't probably have the control or experience to write with it. In other words, we don't want you magically saving the day with the Force every time you get into a jam- be creative and if you still need the Force, then someday soon you'll have your chance.
We also prefer you don't affiliate yourself with any well-known characters in the saga; for example, we'd rather you not provide a story about how you once beat Han Solo in a game of sabacc or all those years you spent as Wedge Antilles' room-mate. Capishe?
If you have questions about this policy or about how far you can go with Force sensitivity, simply ask about it on your thread or approach one of the members of the Vast Empire Naval Academy Staff (VENA-S) via IRC or Message Center.
You may take a look at a few bios by going to the Navy Members Category. Some good examples there might be Ibram Tyrol, Anden Beliam, Hunter Morrell, and Drac.
Assignment
When you have written your bio, please post it on your training thread so the operators can mark it and give you feedback. Please also use the following form to start it off:
- Physical Appearance
- Homeworld:
- Age:
- Species:
- Native Language:
- Gender:
- Skin Color:
- Height:
- Weight:
- Hair Color:
- Facial Hair:
- Eye Color:
- Scars:
- Tattoos:
- Physical Description
- How your character looks goes here, things such as build, stature, etc.
- Character’s Background
- Give me 1-2 solid paragraphs (5 sentences each) with information on your character’s past. Using a large amount of detail isn’t necessary, but if you feel like you want to, go ahead.
- Personality
- Just write about what your character’s personality is. Make him/her interesting!
ID Line
This is not part of your biography, but needs to be done at the same time. Every member of the Navy has an ID line. ID Lines give your basic information: name, rank, unit, etc. There is a specific format that must be followed, along with set codes to use. You can find that on the Naval ID Lines page. But wait a second before you start and read this: The Naval ID Line system can be confusing, especially at first. If you need help, go to this page for a tutorial: Naval ID Assistance.
Once you have done that, please also create a Wiki page for yourself, using this tutorial. Don't forgot to add your bio information to it as well. Once that is completed, please post the link on your training thread, so that it can be marked.
Your bio should be well formatted and grammatically correct. We recommend writing your bio in a word processor so you can have spelling checks. Your bio reflects your writing so you want it to look good.
Upon successful completion of your character's biography, you will be sent to the second chapter of Flight School.
