Hey everyone! I'm super excited (and a little nervous, haha) to finally share my Original Character (OC) with you all. This is actually my first time posting anything like this online, so please be kind! I've been working on this character for a while now, and I'm really passionate about them. I've poured a lot of time and effort into developing their backstory, personality, appearance, and all those little details that make a character feel real, you know?
Creating an OC is like giving birth to a little piece of your imagination. It's a process of building someone from the ground up, deciding what makes them tick, what their hopes and dreams are, and what kind of struggles they face. It's a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging, especially when you're trying to balance originality with believability. I wanted to create a character that was unique and interesting, but also someone that people could connect with on some level. Someone with flaws and strengths, someone who feels like they could exist in the real world (or whatever fictional world they inhabit, haha).
So, without further ado, I'm going to introduce you to my OC! I'll try to give you as much information as possible, but feel free to ask any questions you have. I'm really eager to hear your thoughts and feedback. What do you think of their design? Does their backstory make sense? What kind of stories do you imagine them being in? Any and all feedback is welcome, and I promise I won't take anything personally. I'm here to learn and grow as a creator, and your insights are invaluable to me.
My OC: [Character Name]
Appearance
Let's start with the visuals! Appearance is key to a character's first impression, right? It's the first thing people notice, and it can tell you a lot about a character before they even speak. I've spent a lot of time thinking about what my OC looks like, and I've tried to incorporate elements that reflect their personality and backstory.
[Character Name] is a [age]-year-old [gender] with [hair color] hair that is styled in a [hairstyle]. They have striking [eye color] eyes that seem to [describe the eyes' expression or quality, e.g., "hold a hint of sadness," "sparkle with mischief," "reflect their intelligence"]. Their skin tone is [skin tone], and they have a few [distinguishing features, e.g., scars, birthmarks, tattoos] that tell stories of their past.
Their usual attire consists of [describe clothing style in detail]. I chose this style because [explain the reasons behind the clothing choices, e.g., "it reflects their practical nature," "it hints at their noble background," "it allows them freedom of movement for their adventures"]. They often carry a [signature item or accessory] which is [describe the item and its significance]. For example, maybe they always wear a necklace that was a gift from a loved one, or they carry a worn-out leather-bound journal filled with their sketches and writings. These little details can add so much depth to a character's visual presence.
I've included a few sketches/images of [Character Name] below, so you can get a better sense of their appearance. (Unfortunately, I'm not the best artist, but I tried my best to capture their essence!) What do you guys think? Does their appearance match the kind of person you imagine them to be? Are there any details you particularly like or dislike? I'm all ears!
Backstory
Now, let's dive into the heart of the character: their backstory! A compelling backstory is the foundation of a well-developed character. It explains who they are, why they are the way they are, and what motivates them. I've crafted a backstory for [Character Name] that I think is both interesting and emotionally resonant, but I'm always open to feedback.
[Character Name] grew up in [describe the setting of their upbringing in detail]. This environment shaped them by [explain the specific ways the environment influenced their character, e.g., "instilling a deep respect for nature," "forcing them to develop a tough exterior," "giving them a unique perspective on the world"]. Their family life was [describe their family dynamics and relationships]. This had a significant impact on their life because [explain how their family relationships influenced their personality and choices].
A pivotal moment in their past was [describe a key event or experience that changed their life]. This event led them to [explain the consequences of the event and how it affected their path]. As a result, they [describe their current goals and motivations]. They are driven by [explain the underlying reasons for their goals, e.g., "a desire for revenge," "a thirst for knowledge," "a need to protect others"].
I tried to create a backstory that feels both unique and relatable. I wanted [Character Name]'s past to be filled with both triumphs and tragedies, shaping them into the complex individual they are today. Do you find their backstory believable? Are there any plot holes or inconsistencies you notice? What kind of questions does their past raise for you?
Personality
Okay, let's talk personality! Personality is what makes a character truly unique and allows them to connect with readers on an emotional level. It's the sum of their traits, quirks, and habits, and it dictates how they interact with the world around them. I've spent a lot of time thinking about [Character Name]'s personality, and I've tried to create a balance of strengths and weaknesses.
[Character Name] is generally [describe their overall personality traits, e.g., "kind and compassionate," "cynical and sarcastic," "optimistic and energetic"]. However, they also have a tendency to be [describe their flaws and weaknesses, e.g., "impulsive," "overly critical," "socially awkward"]. One of their greatest strengths is [describe their key strength], which allows them to [explain the positive impact of their strength]. However, their biggest weakness is [describe their main weakness], which often leads to [explain the negative consequences of their weakness].
They are passionate about [describe their interests and hobbies], and they are particularly skilled at [describe their talents and abilities]. They tend to react to stressful situations by [describe their coping mechanisms], and they are most comfortable around [describe the types of people they gravitate towards]. Their biggest fear is [describe their deepest fear], which stems from [explain the origin of their fear].
I wanted [Character Name]'s personality to be multifaceted and realistic. I didn't want them to be perfect; I wanted them to have flaws and quirks that make them feel like a real person. Do you find their personality engaging? Are there any contradictions or inconsistencies in their traits? What kind of relationships do you imagine them having with other characters?
Abilities/Skills
Time to talk about what [Character Name] can actually do! Whether they're a powerful mage, a skilled warrior, or just a really good cook, a character's abilities and skills play a huge role in shaping their story. It's not just about what they can do, but also how they use those abilities and the limitations they face.
[Character Name]'s primary skill is [describe their main ability or skill in detail]. They developed this skill through [explain how they acquired this skill, e.g., "years of rigorous training," "natural talent," "a specific event in their past"]. They are particularly effective at using this skill in [describe the situations where they excel]. However, they struggle when [describe the limitations or challenges they face].
In addition to their primary skill, they are also proficient in [describe any secondary skills or abilities]. These skills come in handy when [explain how these skills are useful to them]. They are constantly trying to improve their abilities by [describe their efforts to improve and learn]. One thing they wish they could do better is [describe a skill they desire to learn].
I wanted [Character Name]'s abilities to be both impressive and believable within the context of their world. I also wanted to create limitations and challenges that would force them to grow and adapt. Do you think their skills are well-balanced? Are there any abilities you think they should develop further? How do you imagine them using their skills in a story?
What Do You Think?
So, there you have it! That's my OC, [Character Name], in a nutshell. I know it's a lot of information, but I wanted to give you a comprehensive overview of who they are. I'm really excited to hear your thoughts and feedback. Remember, this is my first time sharing something like this, so please be kind, but also be honest.
What are your overall impressions of [Character Name]? Do they seem like a well-developed character? What do you like most about them? What, if anything, do you dislike or find confusing? What kind of stories do you envision them being in? What kind of characters do you think they would get along with (or clash with)?
I'm open to any and all feedback, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts, even if they're critical. I'm here to learn and grow, and your input is invaluable to me. Thanks for taking the time to read about my OC! I can't wait to hear what you think!
