Return-Path: @EDDIE.MIT.EDU:LS.SRB@MIT-EECS Received: by TEELA (5.45/4.7) id AA04001; Sat, 21 Feb 87 01:58:04 EST Received: by ATHENA (5.45/4.7) id AA16805; Sat, 21 Feb 87 01:58:14 EST Received: from deep-thought.mit.edu by EDDIE.MIT.EDU (5.31/4.7) id AA29096; Sat, 21 Feb 87 01:56:36 EST Resent-Message-Id: <8702210656.AA29096@EDDIE.MIT.EDU> Date: Wednesday, 18 February 1987 20:57-EST Message-Id: Sender: assassin@grape-nehi.LCS.MIT.EDU (Assassins' Guild) From: assassin@grape-nehi.LCS.MIT.ED (Assassins' Guild) To: springms@grape-nehi.LCS.MIT.EDU Subject: character hints Resent-From: @EDDIE.MIT.EDU:LS.SRB@MIT-EECS Resent-To: ayermish@athena Resent-Date: Sat 21 Feb 1987 01:50-EST Last IAP, I found myself answering the questions about character writing several times. This time, I'll see if I can write up the hints I gave last time around... 1. Don't just tell a character he is X, make him X. Example: Don't just say, "You are a fanatic." Make him one. If you want someone to play the part the way you invision the part being played, you need to create the appropriate atmosphere, and use the right words to convey the impression you wish to give. (see, iap87/profiles/alkars.r). 2. The importance of something to a character will generally not depend on how early in the character you mention it, but on the vividness and length of your description. Something that appears to have been tossed in as an after-thought will generally be treated as one, no matter what you intended. 3. A summary paragraph at the end is a must. 4. Don't just start the profile with, "You are foo..." Make it more interesting. Give a creative lead in. For example: Life is like a wedding cake. On the top, it is simple and straightforward, easy for anyone to see. But that is but the most minute portion of a wedding cake. As you proceed down, .... So it is with you. To the the most casual observer, you appear to be... 5. Try to give characters personal as well as group goals. They should have something to do if their group leader flops. 6. If the character is under a single-spaced, printed, page, look at him closely, he may not have enough to do. A good test is to read over a character the day after you've written it and see `+ 0:+ Q+ 0. 0 . 0. *. 0. 0 . 0ª3 rs can get stuck if their characters are too lacking in connections. Hope this helps. If you need me for anything, let me know. -Steve