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07. Flesh out your Character

Developing your character’s background, motivations, goals, and personal connections not only adds depth to your roleplaying experience but also helps the Game Master weave your story into the larger narrative. By outlining key details such as significant life events, driving forces behind your actions, and the punter you can call upon when the stakes are high, you create a richer, more engaging character. This level of detail ensures your hero (or antihero) feels authentic, while giving everyone at the table exciting hooks to explore, respond to, and build upon throughout the campaign.

History​

Begin by piecing together your character’s background, where they were born, who shaped their early years, and how they found their current path. Were they raised in a bustling trade hub, exposed to countless cultures and opportunities, or did they scrape by in a back ally's of The Settlement, mastering survival by necessity? Did family ties bind them to a particular code of honour, or did a tragic event sever those connections, leaving them to forge their own destiny? A well-developed history anchors your character in the world, giving them personal experiences and perspectives that directly influence their decisions.

Motivations​

Next, delve into the deeper reasons for your character’s actions. Why do they roam the Outlands, infiltrate guarded sectors, or delve into ancient ruins? Are they driven by an insatiable curiosity for lost technology, a quest for revenge against those who wronged them, or a simple need to support loved ones? Identifying these core motivations gives your character a sense of purpose, guiding how they respond to challenges and shaping the relationships they form along the way.

Goals​

While motivations explain the “why,” goals clarify the “what.” These can be immediate, tangible objectives like gathering resources, hunting a specific enemy, or amassing enough wealth to retire. Longer-term aspirations might include toppling an oppressive corp, restoring honour to a tarnished family name, or discovering a legendary artefact that could reshape society. Clear goals provide a roadmap for your character’s development and give the game master helpful cues for weaving your personal story into the broader narrative.

Kinks - Optional Extra​

No one is perfect, Kinks can lend authenticity to your character. Whether it’s a crippling fear of the dark, an over reliance on technology, or an offbeat obsession with collecting trophies, these details add depth and spark memorable in-game moments. A stubborn personality might make negotiations thorny, while a penchant for showmanship could attract both admirers and unwanted attention. These kinks not only create interesting roleplay opportunities, but also remind everyone that your hero is not perfect or at least imperfect enough to make mistakes.

Selecting a Punter​

Finally, choose a Punter, an individual from your past who can provide information or help when the stakes are high. This contact might be an old friend from your days in the militia, a former rival who now owes you a favour, or a helpful hacker who shares your distaste for corporate tyranny. By shaping the punter after you’ve established your character’s history and personality, you can pick someone whose skills or resources complement your own. Whether they become a trusted confidant or a wildcard who tests your loyalty.