Building A Backstory

What’s your favorite color?

What movies do you like?

Who are your heroes in life?

Boxers or Briefs?

Simple questions right? Guess what? That’s part of your own Backstory - the things, people and history that influenced in your life and are part of you.

These things silly or serious, happy or sad are a part of you. Just as you have traits and such, so can your character in role-playing. Also known as a character background.

Having a backstory can give life to the character, helps define “who” he or she is, and their place currently in the world, and their future. This also helps with interactions with others. Just as you meet interesting (and not-so interesting people in RL, such as it happens on a RP server).

And no, you do not -have- to have one, but it does help “get into” character. Depending on what type of character you are playing, it can be a nice asset.

Even just writing some character traits on an index card can be a nice guide. It depends on what works for you but try to be somewhat prepared if anyone actually ask where you are from, or what you may have done at some point in “life”. It can also help you draw line in the sand in conduct and establish boundries.

It’s nice to know “why” you are “here” - wherever “here” is. *grin*

Remember, not everyone is Thrall’s lovechild, Baron Rivendare’s cousin, or heir to the the King of Stormwind… Really! Avoid stereotypes and such and take your class unique within the lore and your imagination. Not every rogue is a scoundrel and not every paladin is pious, just use moderation and common sense here. Use your professions as well if you want to add a bit more to your backstory. Make it an adventure.

This is an overview of some basic questions to ask to help give your persona some stability. These are just a sampling, so take from it what works but don’t burden yourself too much - keep it simple. See what may “click” for him/her and how you may approach it in-game. Also seek out information about the lore in the game - it can provide some great reference material.

The following are examples to think about:

Where are “you” from?
Where you were raised and grew up.
(Factors: climate, homeland, areas and items of interest)

What was “your” upbringing?
The role family and such played in your life, if any.
(Factors: economics, social views, ethics, reputation, religion, politics, family structure, ancestors, friends, family of note)

What do “you” like or dislike?
The things that move you, good or bad.
(Factors: fears, joys, hobbies, personalities, colors, animals, etc…)

What do “you” do and what have you learned?
What and how you learned.
(Factors: skills, trades, type of education if any, teachers)

Who has contributed to “your” life?
Creatures and people in your life so far.
(Factors: family, friends/enemies, lovers, instructors/mentors, leader in politics and religion, role models, creatures, etc.)

What event(s) made set “you” on “your” path(s)?
Pivotal/turning points in life.
(Factors: family, conflicts, encounters, politics, war experience, childhood event(s), historical event, death, curse, duty, etc… .)

What drives “you”?
Your present and past motivations for your actions. Your Goals.
(Factors: childhood events, family, love, hate, war, peace, curse, prophecy revenge, organizations, rivalry, enemy, deathwish, adventure, fame, fortune…)

Tip: Don’t overdue it, use moderation. Even “regular” folk can be great heroes.

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