Just a quick guide I compiled together from a series of RPG manuals that help to define how you would like to present your character(s). This list is not my own list by the creative compilations I had found from the World of Darkness books for developing character creation. I find it a helpful list for getting the core essence/face for a character before developing the complete history or emotional depth to a character.
Section Four - Natures and Demeanors Defined
Natures and Demeanors A characters
Nature is a basic description of your characters self-perception and the core of his "soul." No character fits any Nature exactly, but one of the listed Natures usually describes his concept well enough. Nature isn't all that a character is about. Rather, it serves as a guide to your character's perspective on the environment and how he reacts to that environment.
While a Nature helps describe who your character really is on the inside, this may not be the facade he presents to the world. A person's mood and demeanor can change depending on who he's with and what situation he's in. Your character's outward personality is handled entirely through roleplaying, although his Nature should probably color his general disposition.
The characters
Demeanor is the way a character presents herself to the outside world. It is the "mask" she wears to protect her inner self. A character's Demeanor often differs from her Nature, though it might not. Also, Demeanor refers to the attitude a character adopts most often - people change Demeanors as often as they change their minds.
~Sample Nature/Demeanor types~Architect The Architect has a sense of purpose even greater than herself. She is truly happy only when creating something of lasting value for others. People will always need things, and the Architect strives to provide at least one necessity. Inventors, Pioneers, town founders, entrepreneurs and the like are all Architect Archetypes
Autocrat The Autocrat wants to be in charge. He seeks prominence for its own sake, not because he has an operation's best interests at heart or because he has the best ideas (though he may certainly think so). He may genuinely believe others are incomptetent, but ultimately he craves power and control. Dictators, gang leaders, bullies, merchantile raiders and their ilk are Autocrat Archetypes.
Bon Vivant The Bon Vivant knows that life is shallow and meaningless. As such, the Bon Vivant decides to enjoy her time on the earth. The Bon Vivant decides is not necessarily irresponsible. Rather, she is simply predisposed to having a good time along the way. Most Bon Vivants have a low self-control as they are so given to excess. Hedonists, sybarites and dilettantes are all examples of the Bon Vivant Archetype.
Bravo The Bravo is the tough, bully concept and often takes perverse pleasure in tormenting the weak. To the Bravo's mind, might makes right; power is what matters, and only those with power should be respected. Naturally, physical power is the best kind, but any kind will do. The Bravo sees overt threats as a perfectly reasonable means of gaining cooperation. The Bravo is not incapable of pity or kindness, he just prefers to do things his way. Robbers, bigots, thugs and the insecure are all Bravo Archetypes.
Bureaucrat Laws were created for a reason, and your primary concern is to follow them. No matter what the crisis, you follow the proper procedure. If people don't obey the laws, chaos will run rampant. You take comfort in established processes, confident that they are the keys to victory. Strict adherence to policy may blind you to better options.
Caregiver Everyone needs comfort, a shoulder to cry on. A Caregiver takes her comfort in consoling others, and people often come to her with their problems. Those withe the Caregiver concept often attempt as best they may, to protect those around them. Nurses, doctors, healers and psychiatrists are all examples of potential Caregiver Archetypes.
Celebrant The Celebrant takes joy in her cause. Whether the character's passion is battle, religious fervor, foiling her rivals or reading fine literature, it gives the Celebrant the strength to withstand adversity. Given the chance, the Celebrant will indulge in her passion as deeply as possible. Unlike the Fanatic, the Celebrant pursues her passions not out of duty, but out of enthusiasm. Crusaders, hippies, political activists and art enthusiasts are Celebrant Archetypes.
Child The Child is still immature in personality and temperament. He wants what he wants
now, and often prefers someone to give it to him. Although he can typically care for himself, he would rather have a caretaker-type cater to his bratty desires. Some Child Archtypes are actually innocent rather than immature, ignorant to the cold ways of the world. Children, spoiled individuals and som drug abusers are Child Archetypes.
Competitor The Competitor takes great excitement in the pursuit of victory. To the competitor, every task is a new challenge to meet and a new contest to win. Indeed, the Competitor sees all interactions as some sort of opportunity for her to be the best - the best leader, the most productive, the most valuable or whatever. Merchantile raiders, professional athletes and impassioned researchers are all examples of Competitor Archetypes.
Conformist The Conformist is a follower, taking another's lead and finding security in the decisions of others. She prefers not to take charge, instead seeking to throw in with the rest of the group and lend her own unique aid. The Conformist is drawn to the most dynamic personality or the individual she perceives to be the "best." Being a Conformist is not necessarily a bad thing - every group needs followers to lend stability to htier causes. groupies, party voters and "the masses" are Conformist Archetypes.
Conniver Why work for something when you can trick somebody else into getting it for you? The Conniver always tries to find the easy way, the fast track to success and wealth. Some people call him a thief, a swindler or less pleasant terms, but he knows that everybody in the worl would do unto him if they could. He just does it first, and better. Criminals, con artists, salespeople, urchins and entrepreneurs might be Connivers.
Curmudgeon A Curmudgeon is bitter and cynical, finding flaws in everything and seeing little humor in life or death. He is often fatalistic or pessimistic, and has very little esteem for others. To the Curmudgeon, the glass is always half-full, though it may be damn near empty when other people are involved.
Critic Nothing in the world should be accepted without thorough scrutiny and examination. Nothing is ever perfect, and the blemishes must be pointed out in order for the good to truly be recognized. Your standards are high for everything, and you insist that they be met. Encourage the same ideals in others; low standards reduce the quality of life for everyone. They'll thank you later, once they discover the purity of your perspective. Seek out and expose the imperfections in every person or thing you encounter - in essence you're never satisfied with anything that is less than perfect.
Deviant The Deviant is a freak, ostracized from society by unique tastes that place her outside the mainstream. Deviants are not indolent rebels or shiftless "unrecognizable geniuses"; rather, they are independent thinkers who don't quite fit in the status quo. deviant Archtypes often feel that the world stands against them, and as such reject traditional morality. Some have bizarre tastes, preferences and ideologies. Extremists, eccentric celebrities and straight-out weirdoes are Deviant Archetypes.
Director To the Director, nothing is worse than chaos and disorder. The Director seeks to be in charge, adopting a "my way or the highway" attitude on matters of decision-making. The Director is more concerned with bringing order out of strife, however, and need not be truly "in control" of a group to guide it. Coaches, teachers and many political figures exemplofy the Director Archetype.
Explorer The prospect of finding new or lost places, people and things - whether it's an elder ruin, a lost artifact or a musical style - gives your life meaning. Discoveries are your passion, and you devote a great deal of time and effort to keeping up with current events. The routine and commonplace bores you, and learning someone else's discovery fills you with envy. You constantly set your sights on the horizon, sometimes at the expense of the here and now.
Fanatic The Fanatic has a purpose, and that purpose consumes his existence. The Fanatic pours himself into his cause; indeed, he may feel guilty for undertaking any objective that deviates from his higher goal. To the Fanatic, the end justifies the means - the cause is more important than those who serve it. Players who choose a Fanatic Archetype must select a cause for their character to further as this gives them the goal to attain. Revolutionaries, zealots and sincere firebrands are all examples of Fanatic Archetypes.
Gallant Gallants are flamboyant souls, always seeking attention and the chance to be the brightest stars. Gallants seek the company of others, if only to earn their adoration. Attention drives the Gallant, and the chase is often as important as fulfilling that pursuit. Nothing excites a Gallant so much as a new audience to woo and win. Performers, only children and those with low self-esteem are often Gallant Archetypes.
Jester The world is a painful place, but it's not withits lighter side. People go crazy without something to laugh at. You are that someone. You're the fool, clown or comic, forever seeking the humor in any situation. You hate sorrow and pain and constantly try to take others' minds off the dark side of life. Sometimes you'll do nearly anything to forget that pain exists. Your particular brand of humor might not always impress your friends, but it makes you feel better. Some jesters manage to escape pain and are tuly happy, but most never find release.
Judge The Judge perpetually seeks to improve the system. A Judge takes pleasure in her rational nature and ability to draw the right conclusion when presented with facts. The Judge respects justice, as it is the most efficient model for resolving issues. Judges while they pursue the "streamlining" of problems, are rarely visionary, as they prefer proven models to insight. Engineers, lawyers and doctors are often Judge Archetypes.
Loner Even in a crowd, the Loner sticks out, because he so obviously does not belong. Others biew Loners as pariahs, remote and isolate, but in truth, the Loner prefers his own company to that of others. For whatever reason, the Loner simply disdains others, and this feeling is often reciprocated. Criminals, radicals and free thinkers are all loner Archetypes.
Martyr The Martyr suffers for his cause, enduring his trials out of belief that his discomfort will ultimately improve others' lot. Some Martyrs simply want the attention and sympathy their ordeals engender, while others are sincere in their cause, greeting their opposition with unfaltering faith in their own beliefs. many Inquisitors, staunch idealists and outcasts are Martyr Archetypes.
Masochist The Masochist exists to test his limits, to see how much pain he can tolerate before he collapses. He gains satisfaction in humiliation, suffering, denial and even physical pain. the Masochist defines who he is by his capacity to feel discomfort - he rises each day or night only to greet a new pain. certain extreme athletes, urban tribalists and the clinically depressed exemplify the Masochist Archetype.
Monster The Monster knows she is a creature of darkness and acts like it. Evil and suffering are the Monster's tools, and she uses them wherever she goes. No villainy is below her; no hurt goes uninflicted and no lie remains untold. the Monster does not commit evil for its own sake, but rather as a means to understand what she has become. Many degenerates, unstable individuals, serial murderers and cold emotionless killers are characteristic of the Monster Archetype.
Paragon You have lofty and concrete ideals about what is right and noble in life, and you strive to embody those ideals. You consider your powers a great gift and a tremendous responsibility, and you feel dutybound to use them in pursuit of righteousness and altruism. Though you aspire to be a role model, your are not a Gallant - public display is not as important as the knowledge of good deeds accomplished. Some might see you as self-righteous, but you are your own worst critic. You are completely intolerant of human foibles (especially your own), and this lack of acceptance might as well drive you over the edge one day.
Pedagogue The Pedagogue knows it all, and desperately wants to inform others. Whether through a sense of purpose or genuine desire to help others, the Pedagogue makes sure his message is heard - at length, if necessary. Pedagogue Archetypes may range from well meaning mentors to verbose blowhards who love to hear themselves talk. Instructors, the overeducated and "veterans of their field" are all examples of Pedagogue Archetypes.
Penitent The Penitent exists to atone for the grave sin she commits simply by being who she is. Penitents have either low self-esteem or legitimate traumatic past experiences, and feel compelled to "make up" for inflicting themselves upon the world. Penitent Archetypes are not always religious in outlook; some truly want to scourge the world of the grief they bring to it. Repentant sinners, persons with low self-esteem and remorseful criminals are examples of the Penitent Archetype.
Perfectionist Perfectionist Archetypes simply demand hte best. A half-hearted job gives the Perfectionist no satisfication, and she expects the same degree of commitment and attention to detail from others that she demands from herself. Although the Perfectionist may be strict and exacting, the achievement of the end foal drives her - and often those for whom she is responsible. Prima donnas, artists and conceptual designsers exemplify the Perfectionist Archetype.
Rebel The Rebel is a malcontent, never satisfied with the status quo or the system as it is. He hates authority and does everyhting in his power to challenge and undermine it. Perhaps the Rebel truly believes in his ideals, but it is just as likely that he bears authority figures some ill will over a misunderstanding or "wrong" done to him in the past. Teenagers, insurrectionists and nonconformists all exemplify the Rebel Archetype.
Rogue Only one thing matters to the Rogue: herself. To each his own, and if others cannot protect their claims, they have no right to them. The Rogue is not necessarily a thug or bully, however. She simply refuses to succumb to the whims of others. Rogues almost universally possess a sense of self-sufficiency. They have their own best interests in mind at all times. Prostitutes, capitalists and criminals all embody the Rogue Archetype.
Savant You approach the universe as a riddle to be answered. You live by your logic and deduction; any problem can be solved in a rational manner. You goal is to uncover the truth, to understand everything. However, your intense interest in finding the answers to questions can be distracting, since you get caught up in the minutiae and may lose sight of the larger issue.
Survivor No matter what happens, no matter the odds or opposition, the Survivor always manages to pull through. Whether alone or with a group, the Survivor's utter refusal to accept defeat often makes the difference between success and failure. Survivors are frustrated by others' acceptance of "what fate has in store" or willingness to withstand less than what they can achieve. Outcasts, street folk and idealists may well be Survivor Archetypes.
Thrill-Seeker The Thrill-Seeker lives for the rush brought on by danger. Unlike those of arguably saner disposition, the Thrill-Seeker actively pursues hazardous and possibly deadly situations. The Thrill-Seeker is not consciously suicidal or self-destructive - he simply seeks the stimulation of imminent disaster. Gang members, petty thieves, mercenaries, exhibitionists are all examples of Thrill-Seeker Archetypes.
Traditionalist The orthodox ways satisfy the Traditionalist, who prefers to accomplish her goals with time-tested methods. Why vary your course when what has worked in the past is good enough? The Traditionalist finds the status quo acceptable, even preferable, to a change that might yeild unpredictable results. Conservatives, judges and authority figures are all examples of Traditionalist Archetypes.
Trickster The Trickster finds the absrud in everything. no matter how grim life may become, the Trickster always uncovers a kernel of humor within it. Tricksters cannot abide sorrow or pain, and so they strive to lighten the spirits of those around them. Some Tricksters have even higher ideals, challenging the static dogma by exposing its failures in humorous ways. Comedians, satirists and social critics are examples of this Archetype.
Visionary The Visionary is strong enough to look beyond the mundane and perceive the truly wonderous. visionaries test accepted social limits, and seek what few others have the courage to imagine. The Visionary rarely takes satisfaction in what society has to offer; she prefers to encourage society to offer what it
could instead of what it
does. Typically, society responds poorly to Visionaries, though it is they who are responsible for bringing about progress and change. Philosphers, inventors and the most inspired artists often have Visionary Archetypes.
Note: These are only possible outlines and faces that one can title as core or illusionary values to defining a character, they are merely possible guidlelines to help build the foundation blocks to developing a rich and colorful character persona. I hope these help those out there.. both young and old, new and veteran alike.
