What do you think of a ranking system for characters in terms of:
Intelligence
Durability
Fighting Skills
Energy
Speed
Strength
I'm contemplating whether or not I should incorporate this tier system into my character guide. Do you have a ranking system of your characters? Share those thoughts down below.
Oct '20
Oct '20
For intelligence
20
That intelligence table filling:
No, I don't have a ranking system. Reason is that it implies that certain characters beat others based on stats, which works fine for a turnbased game but I'm really really turned off by it in comics/manga/anime where said characters suddenly win because their "power level" or "ranking" is higher. The underdog is also capable of winning y'know?
But if you want to implement it in your character guide, I'd say go for it. It atleast gives your readers a little insight in their builds.
@ar-ninetysix the only intelligence ranking system that matters 
I've never thought of doing anything like that. Of course, I'm probably working in a different genre but to me each character brings their own form of strength to a situation.
Again, though, I'm looking at this question out of context.
I do have a power level ranking system, BUT. there is another section that can change the tide of battle no matter the situation. It's called special for the broadness of the term. This is a section where powers that cannot be defined land, stopping time being an example. It is a section that makes things go from one direction to the other. The base stats are set, but the special makes it so that any character, no matter who it is. Has a chance of beating the opponent.
Also in general I only do it for fun and as a rough estimation of power compared to others. I never abide by it by the book.
My ranking system is clever yet simple. In my Novel "The Connections", there are 3 types of energy Tinrith, Drayparin, and Ciroono. Drayparin is red energy and it gives a physical ability like strength. Ciroono is blue energy and it gives a mental ability like telepathy. Tinrith is yellow energy and it gives the ability to form luxin(A solid form of energy) or an ability that can change the environment like growth. A Connected can have a combination of the three energy types. Example:
Sofia Arnold
(Gypsy)
Sofia can summon cursed flames.
Energy type: Ciroono: 66.67%, Tinrith: 33.33%.
Example: Purple fire that can be thrown.
Or
Conner Cohen
(Cupid)
Conner can "Distract" people in a more exotic way.
Energy type: Ciroono: 100%.
Example: He can make two people be attracted to each other temporarily.
The ranking system of "The Connections" is as followed, Skilled: one energy type, Master: two energy types, and Enlightened: three energy types. Each Connected has a level from 1-10 on how creative they use their ability. The stronger they get and the more creative they use their ability, the higher the level they get.
I think ranking systems can be a little damaging for stories.
I'm assuming this is for battles, correct me otherwise
If by ranking you mean like A > B > C > D battles could be less interesting as they would depend on who has more of what, and usually resumes in the characters either having good durability or good energy stats to rise victorious, or the rankings being taken aside when a villain is too powerful in stats, that the only way for the MC's to defeat him/her is to use deus ex machina.
I prefer something reactive, like a cycle:
Fire beats air, air beats earth, earth beats water, water beats fire
Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, papers beats rock
and so on.
This give everyone room to shine, yet some difficulties when facing someone who is theoretically stronger than them, but that can still be defeatable.
I actually play a rpg game with similar stats (although worded differently). I think that they work pretty well.
Prowess- fighting skills in melee
Coordination- skills in shooting, and your ability to move (balance, flips, etc. . . )
Strength-
Intellect-
Awareness- how observants you are (in game this affects our defense stats)
Will Power- how suborn can you be
Stamina-energy
Do you mean as in those stat charts a lot of series use in their character bios? If so I think it's a great way to highlight and compare characters skills and weaknesses without having to write paragraphs on each one. And obviously it shouldn't be a replacement for good storytelling but it also gives the readers some background knowledge on the characters.
If you meant having a rank system in-universe I think that really depends on the setting of the story, for a fantasy/scifi/historical story it could fit in perfectly to the setting but for something like a slice of life modern day setting it would have to play a major role in the story's plot to not feel misplaced
