A characters background gives you a platform from which to base the characters motives and current goals. Was your character abused as a child? Did he/she witness some horror that affects his decision making? Did he/she lead a quiet normal life until some circumstance changed his/her perceptions about reality? Think about it because the more detailed your background is, the more realistic and life-like your character will appear to be. Who were his/her parents? What were they like? Who did he/she grow up with? Did he/she have any siblings? What planet was your character from?
You should think of at least one major IC goal for your character, be it getting promoted, or avenging some wrong. Also, think of a few minor goals to. This will give you some idea of how to work the goal into plots and roleplay. Perhaps your character wants to make enough money to buy that ship.. or perhaps he/she wants to visit somewhere for relaxation. Maybe your character would like to be the recognized expert in one particular area, like theology or explosives. Goals can be myriad and complex, or simple and easily achieved, but no character is complete without them.
Sometimes being the best looking or most handsome character isn't always that exciting. Every character should have strengths and weaknesses, but don't underestimate the importance of the weaknesses. Does your char have a scar? Is he/she maimed beyond recognition requiring the need for a life support system, like Darth Vader did? Is your character obesely rotund like Jabba the Hutt? Remember, most people will not read your description in depth. They will quickly peruse it looking for something that stands out. Make sure your character has at least one major visual clue about his/her pesonality, such as a nervous twitch, or strange colored hair. Perhaps your character dresses oddly, or wears a unique piece of jewelry. Maybe they speak with an accent, or have an odd voice. These things also help others to visualize your character better.
Is your character idealistically good like Luke Skywalker is? Is he/she palpably evil like the Emperor, or casually neutral like Han once was? How does your character react to certain other types of characters? Is he/she racially prejudiced? Perhaps your character changes in his views. Perhaps he/she was once the epitome of evil, but has since mended his/her ways to become a bastion of good. These are things to consider.
Every memorable character has a 'hook'. Be it an identifying visual clue, the knack for causing trouble, a pattern of speech, anything. Try and think up a hook for your character and let it come out in roleplay. This will make your character more memorable to others and also more fun. For example, C3PO's 'hook' is that he whines alot and annoys people. This becomes fun. Remember, no one will remember that your hook is 'You're the best looking dude on the Mush', but 'everyone' will remember that your character is the guy who wears the funny hat which is really a bomb. Just an example, but you get the idea. Use your imagination and make it fun.
A good description is the key to giving another person an overall idea about who you are. Particularly in the visual realm. Make it long enough to get all the details out, but not so long that it spams their screen. They won't read it all, if it's too long, unless you're Stephen King and can really write a great desc. ;) Short and sweet is generally better. I write a desc like this.. First, think of the 'one' thing you want people to notice about your character. Is it hair color? Eye color? Stature? Your clothing? Then focus on that. Definitely, what ever you do, don't put something in your desc that assumes the person will feel a certain way about your character. Sentences like, You feel love and warmth as you gaze upon his/her face. His/her eyes draw you in to the point that you would do anything for him/her... you get the point, desc's like these are usually met with contempt. After all, how would I know how to feel about you, if I don't know you? Let others make up their own mind.
Also, it is a good idea to think of some stories or plots your character could be a part of. This might not become obvious until you've played your character for awhile, but sooner or later write up a short blurb illustrating the basic framework for a plot or two. Don't try and frame the ending.. that will come out during roleplay. Just think of a situation which most likely would lead to interesting results. Sometimes even brainstorming with a few friends will lead to a plot which can be quite fun. One last note, don't ignore the value of spontaneous roleplay. Some great plots start as just that, but you'll never find out if you don't take a risk. :)
The use of NPC's can significantly add to a scene. Waiters, walk in people, anyone who would be around. Killing them is easy and adds to the story. Try emitting crowd noise, or general ambience. Emit weather and vehicles. Noises in the distance... monsters.. anything goes.
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