What makes a good video game character?

[Mista Gav]

So for some time since I started this theory module in my Graphic Design course at uni I've been more and more interested in characters not just in video games but other mediums as well (for the sake of the course it's advertising), as well as Extra Credits and other places now questioning the role of characters in games I thought I'd ask a few questions for the community. I'd also like to point out that I use the term Character instead of person as it's a bit more broad than just a person or human being.

So firstly what qualities define and make a good video game character in general? Not just the strong writing aspect but other things such as Gender, looks, appeal, strengths, flaws etc...going on from that what makes a bad video game character for the same reasons, are they bad because the writing isn't strong enough/blank canvas character or are they just a really unlikeable character.

Is there a difference between a good character and a likeable one? In that instance is it possible for every character in the game be a likeable/good character even if they are not the protagonist? (antagonist, general goon etc)

Lastly (I think) which do you prefer more, the 'blank canvas' character such as Master Chief, Gordon Freeman, guy from Crysis or maybe Shepard where you project yourself onto this character or a character with their own motivations/goals/backstory such as Solid Snake/Nathan Drake/John Marston.

So yea...I think a good road to decent characters in video games is to hone in what makes characters good and some good examples of why X character is so good...should be an interesting discussion with no chance of flaming whatsoever /sarcasm ;P

 

[DreamerM]

I have no interest at all in "blank slate" protagonists. I understand that they make it easier to immerse yourself in a game world, but they just don't grab me the way that a protagonist with an actual face, voice, and actual personality can.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

I have no interest at all in "blank slate" protagonists. I understand that they make it easier to immerse yourself in a game world, but they just don't grab me the way that a protagonist with an actual face, voice, and actual personality can.

This.

Although I disagree that Shepard is a blank slate character. There are two established Shepards - Paragon and Renegade. Either way, you're not role playing, you're just playing one of two types of Shep.

Not that I mind - I love both personalities.

OT: Like I said, I prefer actual characters. I wish more current gen games had them.

 

[Sarge034]

For me to like the character, they need to bro up. That is the best way to describe it. They are there to get a job done, in the process they will help everyone they can and troll around a little.

My favorite bro.

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

 

[cowsvils]

For me he/she needs to be a little bit busted in some form. Maybe their parents died and they have problems with anger or maybe they're dealing with the fact that they can't be with the woman they love, but in either way they can't be mr./mrs. perfect. I've found that these are the things that really drive people, and they're totally lost if you just create a blank slate for players to go on.

As for the difference between good and likable, I think that there absolutely is, just look at the villains from so many games. The fact that you can HAVE an emotional reaction to that character is what makes him/her a good character, exactly what that reaction entails is a totally different question.

 

[The Night Shade]

They need to have a good personality,a purpose and the looks that may fit with the character

 

[Defense]

There is a difference between a good and likable character. Kefka, for example, gets a lot of love just for being insane and hilarious, but he's a really poor antagonist. He just wants to kill people because he's fucking crazy, no other reason. It's also possible to have a good character that's not likable. For example, Hope from Final Fantasy XIII. His reasons and motivations are very understandable, but almost everyone I know gives him a lot of shit because he just seems whiny.

For me, one of the biggest parts of a good character is character development, whether it be positive or negative. I have trouble liking a character that learns nothing throughout a long journey.

 

[Terminate421]

Not being generic.

Nathan Drake is a fine example of what I hate about protagonists.

Visceral did it right with Isaac Clarke thankfully.....

And before anyone says it, Master Chief is not generic.

 

[Brawndo]

I have no interest at all in "blank slate" protagonists. I understand that they make it easier to immerse yourself in a game world, but they just don't grab me the way that a protagonist with an actual face, voice, and actual personality can.

Agreed.

Further, I like characters who face moral dilemmas and are in the gray area whether they are good guys or bad guys. I can't stand the dehumanized, baby-eating villains depicted in most video games, especially in FPS games (Killzone, I'm looking at you).

 

[papdefer]

I find that the characters that are most likable are the characters that are most human. The aforementioned Nathan Drake, Ezio/Desmond, Jade . . . hell even Master Chief shows his human side interacting with Cortana.

As far as main playable characters go, a good mix of relatability/humanity and general badassery make good characters. As for the supporting cast, if the character would work in a book or movie, then they will work in a video game.

 

[Vern5]

Is there a difference between a good character and a likeable one?

Firstly, what defines "good" in this context in a way that differentiates it from "likeable"? I was under the impression that if you define a character is "good" then you must have liked the character in question.

Second, what defines "likeable"? There are characters that people like for different reasons and even enjoy hating.

 

[emeraldrafael]

I made the comment that Gordan Freeman was the most boring and useless character once because he is a blank slate, and as a blank slate he has no personality of his own and got blasted out of a message board. The sad thing is, none of them could really tell me I was wrong.

OT: I think it depends on the character and what archtype the need to fulfill. For the Protagonist, I would say a mix between back story and then you impose yourself through your decisions.

 

[TheCrownlessKing]

To me, if it's a blank slate character there has to be enough options to make them your own individual character and have many different endings that depend on what you pick.

If they already have personalities and everything, then they need to have development in the story and not remain static.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

In order to make a good character you have to first create his motivations. A character's motivation in the story is his most important feature, it is his drive that continues the story. The character's motivations for continuing also show any character flaws that he has, and the redeeming qualities that follow. The motivations should be simple (revenge, greedy, lust for power, love, etc), but deep, and should define the core of the character. It's not just something he does "for the hell of it" it's his lifeblood, his way of life. If a person can do that, they have a good strong character on their hands.

 

[HyruleAdvent]

I have no interest at all in "blank slate" protagonists. I understand that they make it easier to immerse yourself in a game world, but they just don't grab me the way that a protagonist with an actual face, voice, and actual personality can.

I second this. It's very important for game characters (especially the protagonist) to make some kind of connection to the gamer (at least for me) so that I would care for my character. Also, it's better for the "story" of the game itself.

Would also appreciate it if there were voice overs to make the story telling better.

 

[Katana314]

I made the comment that Gordan Freeman was the most boring and useless character once because he is a blank slate, and as a blank slate he has no personality of his own and got blasted out of a message board. The sad thing is, none of them could really tell me I was wrong.

OT: I think it depends on the character and what archtype the need to fulfill. For the Protagonist, I would say a mix between back story and then you impose yourself through your decisions.

You can relax knowing that I am a huge fan of Half-Life, and I completely agree with you on Gordon.

There's no easy formula to a good character. Some simplified guidelines I think of:

1. If they are a playable character, they must be likable; no assholes, grey-morality, etc. If they are "extreme" in any regards, make sure the writing actually appeals to people.
2. Character development is good; have them hold certain things true or not care about things, and have that change over time.
3. Making a character part of a collective (ie, a group of soldiers) reduces his ability to feel unique. Working alongside allies is fine, but it's important to show each character has a drive of their own, and maybe even only works with allies because they all have the same enemy.
4. As Dirty Hipsters said, motivations must be understandable. You can't go through every bit of someone's life, but it's pretty common to have some flashbulb moment in someone's life that will cause them to have certain feelings about things. ie "My sister was nearly raped when I was 15. From that day on, I don't let anyone touch her but me."

 

[cowsvils]

Is there a difference between a good character and a likeable one?

Firstly, what defines "good" in this context in a way that differentiates it from "likeable"? I was under the impression that if you define a character is "good" then you must have liked the character in question.

Second, what defines "likeable"? There are characters that people like for different reasons and even enjoy hating.

I'd say Andrew Ryan was a good character in Bioshock but he certainly wasn't likable. Even if we aren't going by that definition, I didn't really like Joker very much in Mass Effect, but he was certainly one of the good guys.

It seems that we are talking about good in an artistic perspective here rather than a moral one.

 

[Mista Gav]

Is there a difference between a good character and a likeable one?

Firstly, what defines "good" in this context in a way that differentiates it from "likeable"? I was under the impression that if you define a character is "good" then you must have liked the character in question.

Second, what defines "likeable"? There are characters that people like for different reasons and even enjoy hating.

I'd say Andrew Ryan was a good character in Bioshock but he certainly wasn't likable. Even if we aren't going by that definition, I didn't really like Joker very much in Mass Effect, but he was certainly one of the good guys.

It seems that we are talking about good in an artistic perspective here rather than a moral one.

I was thinking that a good character is one that is well written, well rounded and has a personality with motives, goals and their own background whereas a likeable character is one that is designed for the audience to empathise with rather than a case of morality more than artistic.

So there's the possibility that the main protagonist may be a well written character but may not be likeable for his own personal motives whereas the antagonist may be a good character but you may empaphise with that character more for the same reasons and vice versa. Like you said with the case of Andrew Ryan, a good interesting character but not likeable for his own motives whereas you didn't like Joker, was it his personality you didn't like or just the writing wasn't strong enough to give him a personality.

I've just realised how many variations this can go in now!

 

[Illesdan]

I have three words for you: Silent. Hill. 2.

These are characters that STILL get talked about to this day and have an immense following. Hell, even Yahtzee reviews the game SEVERAL YEARS after its release.

But, I have seen 'blank slate' done right, as well. The golden example of this is 'Wizardry: Tale of the Forsaken Land'.

I don't think anyone enjoys playing 'perfect' characters. Everyone is flawed or damaged in their own way. To believe otherwise is just delusional. It makes you more drawn to a character if you feel like they remind you of yourself or someone you know.