Characterization: Nuance or inconsistency?

SwordSong 2024-12-02 16:40:12 UTC #1

So in trying to figure out my characters and how I want to develop them, I've been ruminating on a discussion I had with the GM of my former RPF (and partially the basis of my current novel), but one of the things we touched on was, where is the dividing line between a character whose seemingly contradictory traits stems from the very real nuances of an actual person, and someone whose characterization fluctuates because they are poorly written?

Had a severe disagreement with the GM because he thinks the characters I play are extremely unpredictable, even though I thought their seemingly erratic behaviour are perfectly appropriate responses to the triggers they're given in the plot while also taking in consideration their general temperament, priorities, upbringing, etc.

Leyelle 2024-12-02 17:19:43 UTC #2

I think the best way to keep it from seeming erratic is to make sure you for shadow your nuances and specific character traits that seem dichotomous which will appear later on in the story.

krazycafetales262 2024-12-03 15:29:36 UTC #3

For me, it depends on on if it fits the character as a whole. Most traits can usually be linked back to something about the character: backstory, personality, likes, dislikes, the current story, personal beliefs, morals, etc

If I can't link a trait my character has to one of these, then I have to question why would they have that trait at all.

In my opinion, a good character will have traits that makes sense to the character as a whole.

A poorly written one has traits that the writer just wanted them to have even if it doesn't fit them.

SwordSong 2024-12-05 06:17:44 UTC #4

Thanks for the responses. I'm still struggling on how to balance out these nuances in different characters, because, aside from possible accusations of inconsistencies, I also get that giving gimmicks and contrasts is one of the ways people differentiate between characters, and if everyone have dichotomous traits, then they all might feel a little same-y.

I feel like that could be YMMV, though.

As I mentioned in the OP, when I had my characters interact with other players' characters, I thought their actions make sense, the others thinks they don't, and that I'm just making them behave that way because I want them to.

Leyelle 2024-12-05 13:35:07 UTC #5

Well, I think everyone has traits that seem to counter each other irl. Imao, it's more about making all or at least most of the nuances/dichotomies subtle so they don't seem overly intentional or too far fetched. Like rather than a direct opposite it could sort of be a slant dichotomy, a few examples.

I have a female character who seems very token tomboy even if that's not what her character is overtly coded. She's rough with her little brother, she loves comic books and star trek and riding bikes. but she also loves the color pink and has a vintage Barbie doll whose hair she dyed pink. Pink and barbies are considered quintessentially girly interests, but dying hair, especially when the story was set in the late 2000s early 2010s was more edgy and rebellious. It's not a total 1-80 from the rest of her character but it does show nuance.

Another male character I have loves cars, motor cross and sports of all kinds but also peonies and keeping a very clean, pretty, and pristine house. It feels natural to his character though because we already know his mom is similar. Loving pretty things is normally associated with women and it's not a stretch to think that his filthy rich mom would collect expensive things like cars.

Since he was raised by a single mom, her interests naturally influenced him so it's not unusual that he loves both cars and pretty things.

I hope this helps. Sometimes all it takes to keep a dichotomy from feeling forced is some backstory and/or an extremely unspectacular/normal feeling explanation that will make audiences feel like 'yeah, that makes sense.'