A Guide to Creating Original Characters in the Marvel Universe
Written by the player of Kitty Pryde/Carol Danvers
I feel that this guide was written very well and offers great advice when aping an OC or even an FC. I want to thank Kitty Pryde player very much for offering this to us.
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Step One - Concept
First, start out with your basic concept. This is the foundation for your character, what you build everything else off of. Are they a freedom fighter, crusading for mutant rights? A pretty preppie girl who's suddenly transformed into a hideous mutant monster? A good concept is your best starting point.
Step Two - Fleshing Out
Now, we move on to what's probably the most important part of your character- their personality. This means everything from their outlook on life to their lovable (or not-so-loveable) quirks. What are they like in a tough situation? What are they like in everyday life? What do they like to do in their spare time? This is the step that takes you from concept to character.
Step Three - Strengths and Flaws
What things is your character good at? Are they a gifted artist, or are they a whiz at science? Maybe your geeky mutant is the king or queen of video games. Maybe your character can kick some serious ass in a fight.
What are your character's faults? Maybe they couldn't throw a punch with written instructions and a cheerleading squad. Maybe they're dumb as dirt. Keep in mind that things like annoying little quirks and bad habits (smoking, nail biting, fear of lawn gnomes) are all well and good, but everyone's got problems, things that could possibly be used against them by an enemy. The villain is not going to steal your pack of Marlboro's and watch you go through nic fits, he's going to find out what your deepest darkest secret or biggest weakness is and find a way to exploit it. Make sure your character actually has something there to find.
Step Four - History
Now that you have your character's personality down, you want to give them a past. Where were they born? Who raised them? What was their childhood like? When did their mutation manifest (or how did they get their powers, if they have any)? If their family and friends knew about it, how did they react?
You don't need to have a novel here, but a page or so is good. Go into as much detail as you feel you need to convey your character's story properly.
Step Five - Powers And Mutations
This is what makes your character different from the majority of society. Please try to be original here, don't just copy another Marvel character's powers (or a character from other media- ie Heroes, DC comics, etc.). Put some thought into it.
Outline what the limits to your characters powers are, keeping common sense in mind. You're not going to be able to level a small country with a sneeze.
Try to explain how your characters powers work. Is it part of their physiology (like Warren Worthington's avian mutation) or is it something that isn't obvious until it's being actively used (like Pete Wisdom's 'hot knives')?
Do your character's mutation or powers cause them to look different from normal human beings, and if so, how? How hard would it be for them to hide their differences and blend into a crowd, if at all possible?
Step Six - A Face to the Name
Now we're at the part a lot of roleplayers have trouble with. Picking out a picture to represent your character's appearance. You may need to manipulate an image to get your character to look right.
Remember to choose a person because they fit your character, not because you think they're hot or because you'd want to look like them. Keep your character's age in mind as well. I'd love to look like a hot Hollywood actress, but is said actress appropriate for my sixteen year old character? Probably not.
A 35 year old actor isn't going to cut it for a high school student, unless they have some sort of rapid aging problem.
Searching for the right "PB" ( short for photo/picture base or played by) can be frustrating, but it's very satisfying to find a face that's just right for your character.
Of course, this step is entirely optional.
Step Seven - Review
You've got your character all written up. Now, you just need to go back and make sure you didn't leave anything important out. Is the actor you chose for your character already in use in the game? Are there any facts or details that contradict each other (i.e., you have "scuba diving" listed as a skill, but your character has had a crippling fear of water since childhood and needs to take a valium to get in the shower)? Remember: spellchecker is your friend! Make sure you double-check all your spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Step Eight - Apply!
By far the easiest part of the process, send in your character to a game (like, say, OURS) to apply! Be sure to keep a copy of your application for reference.
The staff may ask you to change a few details, or omit some parts of your character's story in order to join the game, but try not to take any of that personally. They just want your character to fit into the game as well as possible, they don't necessarily have a problem with you or your character.
If your application is rejected, a good mod will tell you why, and perhaps give you points on how to re-write it so that it could be accepted. Again, don't take this personally, staff are not angry player-squishing monsters, they're players too!
That's it! You're done!
Other Tips
- Avoid mentioning canon characters in your application, either in their history (for instance, making them a childhood friend of Peter Parker) or in comparison (like saying they are "as fast as Quicksilver" or "as famous as the Fantastic Four").
- One thing that would be helpful that is if this is your first character, try to make them a bit more on the social side and friendly. Sometimes it can be hard coming into a new game and playing Mr. Antisocial. Once you’re more comfortable with the players and game feel free to app more of an antagonist.
- It would be helpful to have at least a passing knowledge of Marvel comic book canon. Chances are, your character will be a life-long resident of the Marvel Universe and will have grown up hearing about the Avengers' adventures on the evening news or hearing the latest Dazzler track on the radio. Super-heroes, aliens, magic and all that shiny comic book technology are all pretty common public knowledge.
- Do not expect to get your character right on to any canon teams. Yes, it may be possible for your teenage mutant to attend Xavier's School, but it will take a lot of in-game time and training for him to become a member of the X-Men, and Suzie Q Alien may be a powerhouse and a genius to boot, but she's going to have to earn Captain America's trust before she's invited to join the Avengers.
- Please, for the sanity of the appstaff, do not write your character's history to be a series of modernized Greek tragedies. Not every mutant teenager is going to be disowned by their parents for being different. Not every alien is going to be the last of his species. Contrary to what Joe Quesada may seem to think, the Marvel Universe is not a seedy, oppressive, horribly depressing place to live.
