Character Creation Guide

Creating a compelling character is the foundation of great roleplay. This guide will help you develop a realistic and engaging character for Kentucky Roleplay.

Character Name

• Use realistic first and last names
• Appropriate for Kentucky/American setting
• No celebrity names, meme names, or fictional characters
• Example: John Smith, Sarah Williams, Marcus Johnson

Character Age

• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Consider how age affects your character's experience and perspective
• Older characters may have more life experience
• Younger characters may be more adaptable

Background Story

Create a believable backstory that answers:

Where are they from?

• Kentucky native or moved here recently?
• Urban or rural upbringing?
• Family background and relationships

What is their education/skills?

• High school diploma, college degree, or trade school?
• Special skills or talents (realistic only)
• Work experience and career history

Why are they in Kentucky?

• Job opportunity?
• Family ties?
• Fresh start?
• Always lived here?

Personality Traits

• Strengths and weaknesses
• Quirks and habits
• Fears and motivations
• Communication style

Character Goals

Give your character short-term and long-term goals:

• Find employment
• Start a business
• Make friends
• Join an organization
• Own property

Things to Avoid

❌ No superhuman characters: Military special forces, martial arts masters, genius hackers
❌ No tragic backstories: Everyone isn't an orphan with PTSD
❌ No perfect characters: Flaws make characters interesting
❌ No copying media: Your character isn't Walter White or Tony Soprano

Example Character

Name: Rebecca "Becca" Thompson
Age: 28
Background: Grew up on a small farm outside Louisville. Studied agricultural business at UK. Moved to Kentucky area to start her own organic farming business. Friendly but can be stubborn. Loves country music and horses. Struggles with business finances.
Goals: Establish successful farm, hire employees, maybe buy even more land

Character Development

Remember: Characters should grow and change through roleplay experiences. Don't have everything figured out from day one. Let your character develop naturally through interactions with others.