How to Build Stronger Characters in RPGs
Creating memorable, well-rounded characters in RPGs can be one of the most rewarding parts of the game, but it’s also a tricky balance of creativity, psychology, and practical mechanics. As a self-proclaimed RPG enthusiast who’s spent countless hours lost in virtual worlds, I’ve definitely learned some tough lessons on how to build characters that not only feel alive but also make an impact on the story. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve picked up through trial and error—and a few success stories along the way.
1. Start with a Purpose, Not a Personality
When I first started playing RPGs, I used to dive headfirst into creating characters based on the first cool idea that popped into my head. The result? Flat, one-dimensional characters that I would forget about as soon as they’d finished their side quest.
A much more rewarding approach I discovered is to start with purpose. What does your character want? What motivates them? Understanding their underlying goals can help you shape a much more interesting personality that aligns with their actions. Think of it as giving your character a driving force—without it, everything else feels pointless.
For instance, I once built a rogue who was obsessed with revenge. At first, I thought I could just slap that in and call it a day, but what I didn’t realize was that revenge alone didn’t tell me why they were so hell-bent on it or what they’d do to get there. That’s when I decided to give the character a backstory: their family was killed in a raid, and now they had to choose between following the path of vengeance or trying to find redemption. Once I had that motivation, every decision I made for the character felt grounded, and the roleplaying was way more rewarding.
Pro tip: Ask yourself, what does this character want above all else? It could be something simple or deeply complex, but it should be the driving force behind everything they do.
2. Give Them Flaws
I know, it sounds counterintuitive. We all love those flawless heroes who save the world and always make the right choices. But guess what? Those characters are often boring and hard to connect with.
Perfect characters don’t feel real. People are flawed. They have insecurities, make mistakes, and sometimes, they even fail miserably. Giving your RPG character flaws makes them more relatable, more interesting, and more human—even if they’re not human at all.
Take my first D&D character. I tried to make him this epic paladin who was unshakeably noble and always made the “right” decisions. Long story short: he was a total bore. The moments I actually enjoyed came when his rigid code was tested, and he had to choose between helping a friend or following the law. The internal conflict made the character feel like he was truly evolving.
Pro tip: Don’t just throw in a generic flaw like “greedy” or “reckless.” Make it something that affects their decision-making or relationships with other characters. Maybe your character is too proud to admit they need help, or they have a deep-seated fear of failure that they can’t shake off.
3. Develop Relationships with Other Characters
This one took me a while to figure out. Early on, I would focus solely on my character’s personal story arc, completely ignoring how they interacted with others. In a well-designed RPG, relationships with NPCs and fellow players can provide some of the best moments in the game.
I remember when I was playing Skyrim and I decided to really commit to the main quest line. But instead of just doing it solo, I made an effort to involve my companions in my decisions. I’d ask them for advice, joke with them, and sometimes even just vent about what was going on. That made their presence more meaningful and gave me a sense of camaraderie. Plus, my character’s relationships influenced some of the choices I made throughout the game.
You don’t have to have deep relationships with every NPC, but if you give your character the space to bond with key figures, it adds layers to their personality. Don’t forget the conflict, though! Sometimes the best character growth comes from tension between two personalities.
Pro tip: Think about how your character sees their companions. Do they trust them, or do they keep everyone at arm’s length? Are they forming bonds to fulfill a need (like protection or love), or is it more about survival?
4. Use Backstory to Inform Actions
Building a character’s backstory might seem like an afterthought, but trust me, it’s an essential part of creating a strong character. Your character’s past influences their current behavior, beliefs, and motivations. And let me tell you, nothing adds depth to your character like a solid backstory.
Now, I’m not saying you need to write a 10-page biography for your character (unless you’re into that, which I totally respect), but knowing the basics of their history can help you inform how they react to certain situations.
I learned this the hard way with a character I made in The Witcher 3. At first, I didn’t think too much about Geralt’s backstory, just assuming he was the badass witcher and that’s all I needed to know. But as I got deeper into the game, I realized that his emotional baggage, the loss of loved ones, and his complicated relationships with other characters were actually what made him so compelling. I started making more decisions based on how his past shaped his present—and it made all the difference.
Pro tip: Your character’s backstory doesn’t have to be overly complex. Just think about how their past shaped who they are today. Did they have a mentor? Were they betrayed? What scars do they carry, either physical or emotional?
5. Embrace Character Growth (and Change)
I used to think of RPG characters as static figures: they start the game as one type of person and end the game exactly the same (with a few extra stats). But that’s not how people—or characters—work. Growth, change, and evolution should be at the core of your RPG character’s journey.
The most memorable characters I’ve played through were the ones who experienced real growth. Take, for example, my Mass Effect playthrough. I was playing as Commander Shepard, and at the start, I thought I’d go with a “paragon” route—always making the noble choice. But after a series of devastating losses and morally gray decisions, Shepard’s outlook began to shift. I started to notice myself choosing actions that aligned with her personal growth rather than just making the “right” choice.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to let your character change over time. Whether they become more cynical, more trusting, or more empathetic, change makes them feel more authentic. Let the story guide their development.
Table 1: Character Development Checklist
| Element | What to Focus On | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | What does the character want above all else? | It drives their actions and decisions. |
| Flaws | Identify internal struggles or imperfections (fear, pride, guilt). | Flaws create conflict and make them relatable. |
| Backstory | Past experiences, traumas, and victories that shaped them. | Adds depth to their actions and beliefs. |
| Relationships | How they interact with NPCs or fellow players. | Relationships affect decisions and character growth. |
| Character Growth | How they evolve over time based on events and choices in the story. | Growth makes the character feel dynamic and real. |
Table 2: Tips for Crafting Unique RPG Characters
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Give Them a Secret | Even if the character doesn’t reveal it right away, give them something they’re hiding. It adds intrigue. |
| Use Quirks or Habits | Maybe they hum when nervous or always fix their armor in a certain way before a fight. Quirks make characters stand out. |
| Allow for Moral Dilemmas | Make your character face situations where no choice is purely good or evil—forces them to wrestle with their values. |
| Mix Archetypes | Don’t settle for one stereotype. Combine traits from different archetypes to create something unique (e.g., a noble thief). |
| Tie their Weaknesses to the Story | Weaknesses shouldn’t just be generic; link them to the narrative and let them affect decisions in major ways. |
Conclusion
Building a strong RPG character is all about balance: motivation, flaws, growth, and relationships. Take the time to think about who your character is at their core, and let that inform every choice you make.
And look, you don’t have to get it perfect on the first try. I’ve created characters I absolutely hated and characters that made me laugh, cry, and scream at my screen. The key is to have fun with it—and let your character surprise you along the way.
So go ahead—make a character that’s deeply flawed, beautifully complex, and full of potential. They’ll make your next RPG adventure unforgettable.