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Game Art
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February 2, 2016
How to Design Game Characters
Updated October 14, 2026
Design Related to Gameplay
Functionality of Game Characters
Player Character (PC) Non-Player Character (NPC)Narrating the Plot Playing the Enemy Providing Transactions Character Metrics
Types of Metrics
Advantage and Disadvantage Multipliers Power Trait Relationships Between Metrics
Prerequisites Acquired Limitations Reward Values Derived Functions Character Settings
Character Background
Character Facts
Names and Titles Personal Life Private Life Occupation Strengths and Advantages Weaknesses and Disadvantages PersonalityCoward Guardian Madman Conformist Producer Warrior Clown Distinguishing NPC Protagonists and Supporting Characters
NPC Protagonist NPC Supporting Character Dynamics Between Characters
Ally and Enemy Conflict Contrasting Complementary Typical Characters
Character Types
Archetype Stereotype Subversive Characters In-Depth Protagonist Design
How to Design Characters Players Love
Recognizing the Character EmpathyPutting the Character in Jeopardy Putting the Character in Hardship Underdog Character Vulnerable Character Famous Characters Change in Situation Internal Design of the Protagonist
Sources of InspirationHistorical Figures or People Around You Cultural Background Personality Traits Character Motivations Layers of the Character Character Interpersonal RelationshipsDominant and Submissive Extroverted and Introverted Separated and Connected Friendly and Hostile Antagonist
Environmental Interpersonal Inner Character Growth
Flat Characters and Round Characters
Flat Character Round Character Character Change and Growth
Character Flaws Character Motivation Growth (Five Levels of Needs)Physiological Needs Safety Needs Social Needs Esteem Needs Self-Actualization Needs Advanced Topics on Game Characters
Character Success and Failure In-Depth Exploration of Protagonists and Leaders Open-Ended Game Character Growth
