Lesson #2 - "Characters"

[evil]

DISCLAIMER:

[/u][/size]
The views expressed in this thread do not reflect those of the staff or administrator here at Innovation:Wrestling. The purpose of these 'lessons' are for me to spread my knowledge of e-fedding over the years. In order to help others out who may be struggling or having a hard time. All views expressed are of my own. I'm doing this for the sole purpose of helping newcomers, and even throwing a few idea's out there for the 'vets'. Because at the end of the day? The learning experience never stops for no one.[/center]

Welcome back gang. Its been a couple of weeks since I did my last (and first) official 'lesson' segment. I apologize once again for the delay. I've been having some major computer issues that I can happily say as of now. Is all being taken care of. But enough about that. Lets take a moment to talk about "characters".

Today, I'm briefly going to talk about what makes a good character.

The first pointer I can give? If you can't do it in real life. Don't even think about trying it in a wrestling e-fed. In other words. If your going to bring in a comedy-relief character along the lines of a Santino Marella or Eric Young. Yet you know deep down inside that its going to be a stretch pulling off those comedy routines? You might as well move on to something else.

I've seen very few people over the years pull off comedy and do it well. Main reason is because after I got to know these people. Like there characters in the league. They're pretty funny in real life. Quick witted, and will come up with a comeback like that *snaps fingers*.

When it comes down to choosing a character type. You have to go with something that YOU, can relate with.

Take me for instance. The character of Genesis I've played is a straight up asshole (laughs). For me, its easy to play that role because often times. When I get hot under the collar. I can easily turn into 'that' guy & spew some venom like nobodies business. At the same time. Once you get to know me. I'm a pretty nice, honest & fair man. Sometimes I'm brutally honest, but I feel people need to hear the truth. Rather then hear what they want.

Now how does those qualities about me relate to my character? Well simple. In alot of ways. Genesis is that person. That other side of me. The Dark side. The ugly side. Whatever you want to refer to it as.Either way, I pull it off well and can convince readers and members that this guy is a prick, through & through. However, its the type of character people want to see get his ass kicked on a daily basis.

Then there are people who can pull off the hero type. I'll use Leon's "Avenger" as an example. I've been in many feds over the years. I have never seen one person pull off that anti-hero character quite like The Avenger. I know the guy behind the character does his best to switch things up & go in 'heel mode' every once & awhile. But I think his best strength is as a babyface that stands up for his federation. The fans and wrestlers who believe in him. Add to that? The guy has quite the resume of accolades from top to bottom. Which shows, the character can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk as well.

What I'm getting at here folks is simply this. I feel that a character is at its best when you can bring a small piece of your own personality & flavor into the character. If you can't relate with who you've got? You're in deep trouble. Like I mentioned earlier. If comedy isn't your cup of tea? Then don't use that type of character. Go with something you can work with.

Also, at the end of the day. A character is only as successful as the WORK you put into it. Which is why over the years in our little circle of e-feds. People remember names like Chris Lionheart, Sylas Styles, The Avenger, Genesis, Shia "Double S" Storm, Ryan Blaze, Dru Nedermeyer, King Vegas, Lilith, Jonny Pyro, Crymson, 187, the list goes on & on. Everyone of these handlers behind the charactes left there thumbprint on the e-fed market because each person busted there butts off to build there legacies out of a simple, virtual creation from a video game. Its not easy to do folks. Not everyone can make it. But to those who can? Pat yourselves on the back. Lend a hand to those who're struggling and need the help to develop a character.

Well, I guess that's about it for today's lesson. Next week, I'm gonna go more in-depth about "Championship Belts", and what they mean to e-fedding compared to what we have in real life. Until then, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to read this thread. Any questions, comments or even "constructive" criticisms are welcomed as always.

[evil]

*Updated* finished up the article. Any questions, or anything along those lines should either be posted here or directed to me personally via PM.

[Jeff Kain]

I can't stress one thing enough about building your character...

CHARACTER
OUT
OF
CHARACTER[/b]

Let's be honest here. 75% of roleplays in the ring are shit slinging contests. Who can get off the most disses, or the most gruesome threats. Who can intimidate the other, or make them feel stupid. You character will always do that in the ring if that's your game, but here's the thing... Your character SHOULD have a life outside of wrestling. Want to know the storylines I follow/followed closest? Interesting stories that contain content of the characters life outside of the ring. The stuff that isn't televised. This is because your character can have emotions that aren't often witnessed in the ring. Your character can be real.

I'm about to hype myself up here, so forgive the self plug...

Want to know why I made it? I made it completely off of COOC roleplaying. Sure, I did some cool stuff in the ring, but if you look back at all my roleplays, over all the feds I've spent my hours participating at, it all boils down to what my boys did "at home". Ryan Blaze is a legend in TNB not because of his in-ring ability, but because of his antics outside of the ring that made the character complete. Whether that be "make money quick" schemes seen in TNB when it returned in 2009, or his complete and total mental melt down that lead to "The Year of Blaze" in 2010. That character benefited 100% from the ability to be a real human being outside of a wrestling character you'd see on TV.

It's unfortunate that the COOC section goes largely unnoticed when you compare it to the in-ring section of the federation, because anyone can be macho behind a keyboard and type insults they heard on a TV show, movie, or from a friend. Anyone can do that. What really leads to a good read is what you see behind the scenes.

I really can't stress it enough, folks. You can build up a character that fits your personal interest, like Brandon said, but in all honesty if the character is just some superhuman shit slinger, it won't get far, at least in my eyes. You need more depth than your average wrestler... That's the whole point of an efed, at least in my eyes. Build a character, bring that character to life.

Hope this helps people in any way, shape or form. Possible motivation for someone who's strictly an in-ring competitor to step up their game and add a persona outside of the ring? Maybe, who knows. If this can motivate someone then I'm glad I could help.

*small disclaimer. super late, and I refuse to re-read this right mreow. If anything doesn't make sense, let me know.