A guide to creating your characters

CREDITS FOR ALL ON THIS PAGE :)

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Made by my friend mae!

Hello and welcome, I have decided I'd make a helpful guide to writing your characters as you would one in a book. I used to write obsessively not too long ago and so I thought it'd be helpful to share some of my insight.

I have been seeing a lot of two types of OC's; the the male/female trope that contains the more aggressive and dominating males and the sweet and intelligent females and the direct cannon character copy(most common tends to be Mapleshade); while these are not bad per se they're ununique and tend to lead to uninteresting role-plays. I've also seen a fair bit of clashing personality traits and I will admit I am guilty of that.

I get that we all want our characters to be the main characters in our own stories, we want them to be complex and interesting so we pile things on even if they don't make too much sense and this can lead to an OC with so much piled on it's hard to keep track of, and frankly stressful to role-play as.

We don't need complexity to make our OC unique, what we need is a well thought out and coherent idea that makes up your character itself.

T H E B A S I C S

Firstly we'll start with the most important aspects of a character (personality, design & Idea) I prefer to begin with design and Idea, then personality and Name come later.

IDEA

What do we mean by an idea? I'm sure you haven't seen a section specifically dedicated to the idea of a character it's probably been sprinkled in here and there but that's it.

The idea of a character is by far the most important detail. Your character needs a reason to exist and we have to figure out why that is, it's similar to a character's motivation for doing literally anything.

You're here to find help in creating a character you probably already have a vague idea of. What is that idea? What sparked that inspiration?

Maybe a song? or a movie scene? possibly even a pretty plant you thought would be a nice theme, using a religion or tradition works very well too.

(Your character will probably change drastically from concept to finality and that is not only expected but good, we don't want to confine ourselves to a single idea, leave room for breathing.)

The idea of your character will be the core of your character, what you build off so it needs to be a representation of them. This could be anything but I suggest keeping it simple.

How does your character feel? Not your character itself, but when you think of it, how does that feel; Somber? energetic? Vile? does your character make you think of a cute cinnamon roll anime guy/gal/non-binary pal?

Keep that in mind throughout the design process, try to stick with that feeling, if remember this is supposed to be fun, so grab inspiration from literally anywhere, your character does not have to fit into a box of realism.

DESIGN

Think of design as an expression of the inner workings of your character. As a character designer myself with months of studying colour theory and the basics of animation under my belt I have a pretty okay understanding of it.

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Here are some rules I would suggest keeping in mind(click)

• Do not add unnecessary elements, everything must be important (if you cannot figure out an aspect of your character from that element, get rid of it)

• Keep it simple, yet dynamic include a trait that stands out (multi-coloured eyes, a scar, a marking, unique iris shape, paw size, a skin disorder etc.)

• Avoid conflicting tropes (i.e kind but vicious under certain circumstances)

• Avoid overused tropes in general, don't create a Mapleshade/Firestar 2.0

• Your character doesn't have to be hyper-realistic but maintain some sense of an understanding of reality (try some unique pelt colours, but don't go neon yellow)

• Unless your characters realm or group forbids it, add something personal, like a flower crown, a collar, dog tags, hell even a prosthetic leg (that last one may be a neat plot point for your character, how would they care for it? how would other characters view it? what happens if it were to break?)

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Now that that is over let's move onto picking out a design because this can be one of the hardest parts of character design.

(Feel free to swap back in between idea and this to help you)

You'd probably want to start by picking out a breed/species so here are some examples to get you going. __________________________________________________

SPECIES/BREED

FELINES DOMESTIC Domestic (long/short) Scottish Fold Persian Russian blue (long/short)Siamese Rag-doll Mainecoon Norwegian forest Munchkin Sphynx American curl Turkish Angora Birman Himalayan Exotic short Manx Devon Rex Bombay Cornish Rex Toyger La perm American bob-tail Japanese bob-tail Snow-shoe Turkish Van Oriental (short/long) Lykoi Donskoy Minskin WILD Savannah African golden Andean mountain African wildcat Sunda clouded-leopard Caracal Serval Sand-cat Ocelot Bob-cat

CANINES DOMESTIC Golden retriever Husky Rottweiler Pitbull Shollie German shepherd Irish wolfhound Springer spaniel Australian cattle Dalmatian Whippet Saluki English setter Great Dane English Mastiff Australian Shepherd Basenji Greyhound Jack Russel Caucasian Shepherd Plott hound Xolo(Mexican hairless) Chihuahua WILD Wolf dog Dingo Arctic wolf Eurasian wolf Mexican wolf Japanese wolf British Columbia wolf Great plains wolf Texas wolf Arabian wolf Alexander Archipelago wolf Vancouver island wolf Iberian wolf Steppe wolf Coyote Maned wolf Red fox African wild dog Fennec fox Arctic fox Dhole Racoon wolf Dire wolf Golden jackal Hoary fox Sechuran fox Falklands island wolf Bat-eared fox Culpeo

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EYE-COLOUR

Now, you have a breed(s) picked out, which narrows down your design drastically, very helpful. Do a bit of browsing online to find something that you find appealing or find two images and mash them together to get your ultimate OC.

Eye-colour is a bit tricky, depending on what you've chosen, in Huskies heterochromia is more common than most others. Otherwise, the most common eye colour is a shade of brown.

Cats have a little more leeway but the most common eye-colour amongst them is yellow. Try to use a bit of colour-theory for the eyes. Or better yet assign an eye-colour based on your characters core emotion.

What is a core emotion?

We'll delve deeper into it in the personality section but as a basic example you have;

Red; Ambition/Passion(Anger)

Orange; Stability/Bravery(Confidence)

Yellow; Optimism/Sociable(Happiness)

Green; Growth/Quality(Hope)

Blue; Tranquil/Emotional(Woe/Calm)

Purple; Royalty/Sophisticated(Pride)

Pink; Compassion/Empathy(Kindness)

Brown; Dependable/Loyal (Comfort)

White; Purity/Innocence(Naievity)

Gray; Distant/Independence(Independent)

Black; Class/Intelligence(Control)

(Don't be afraid of using dynamic colours, we are a race of talking organized animals)

Here is a chart for eyes that may help

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PELT & PATTERNS

There are a MULTITUDE of pelt patterns so instead of listing them, I will be borrowing images from Messybeast.com

(these are in no way owned by me and are being used for constructive purposes)

• SOLID
• TABBY
• TABBY-TORTI
• TORTI
• BI-COLOUR
• CHIMERA
• COLOURPOINTS
• OTHER

PERSONALITY

Note: This will probably be the hardest part of creating your character, do not lose hope if it takes a while to get to a satisfying conclusionHOW WE'RE USING COLOURS

Alright, this is how I use colours to convey things in my characters, I will try and simplify it, but this could get complicated, I find it a fun method to use.

Lets take a look at this colour chart (Not mine, I will link back to the origional source)

Think of your character as a colour? what would they be, Are they hot-headed and stubborn? you have red.

Are they sturdy mentally or physically, the backbone or the emotional support of their group? you have orange/brown.

Sassy and egotistical? Purple.

Think of character traits as complimentary colours.

Red (Hot-headed, Stubborn, Aggressive) and Blue (Sensitive, Emotional, Passive) don't really mix well, do they? it would take a lot of work to get them to get along.

But let's try yellow and purple, yellow (energetic, loud, joyful) and purple (sassy, egotistical and maybe a little bit of a diva?)

Put them together and you get a high energy character with a big personality. A character like this would probably draw lots of both negative and positive attention to themselves.

They're probably an extrovert who enjoys socializing in mass groups, but at the same time, they're probably very judgemental and possibly oblivious to peoples feelings, putting their own before others.

It would be reasonable to believe that they'd enjoy being the centre of attention and this is a character who (depending on which side you lean for) could be a good person or a bad person. It all depends on which personality traits you choose to exaggerate.

(this was a basic example but I'm sure you understand what I'm going for)

COLOURS AND THEIR MEANINGS

NOTE: I have a personal way of seeing colours that probably isn't the same as other people but this guide is a starting point, not an end all be all, we will be categorizing colours into emotions too. These core emotions are sort of the building blocks of your character.

RED

(Anger)

Red is a passionate colour; it's the colour of a fighter, someone who refuses to give up no matter the circumstances. The colour of a stubborn bull, strong and intimidating foe with a fire a-light in their very blood, A high energy colour.

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ORANGE

(Confidence)

Orange is a solid colour; like a mountain this colour is immovable. No matter the force it shall remain stable, even in the face of immeasurable danger or distress this colour remains to stand, It's mindset clear and confident, A medium energy colour.

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YELLOW

(Happiness)

Yellow is a blinding colour; even the brightest stars would not compare. Yellow lights up every room they step into, Seeping into the very souls of their peers. Their spirit lighter than air, Yellow is an optimistic and energetic person, A high energy colour.

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GREEN

(Hope)

Green is an uplifting colour, While not at bright as Yellow, Green flickers in even the direst circumstances. It grows and supports those around it, protecting the darkest minds with a sense of anticipation for the future, A medium energy colour.

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BLUE

(Woe/Calm)

Blue is the most intimate of colours; It is emotional, it understands and it accepts. Blue is the strongest colour mentally, It allows for a deeper connection with one's self and it is in a sense gray, understanding is the way of Blue; A low energy colour.

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PURPLE

(Pride)

Purple sees themselves as god-like, whether justified or not. Purple puts their needs before those of their peers and is often vain in nature. Purple, is boisterous and confident in their achievements, A high energy colour.

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PINK

(Kindness)

Pink is a colour that gets along well with Blue; Both have a strong sense of understanding but pink takes it a step further with their support, while Blue expresses empathy, Pink expresses sympathy and often extends a helping hand to those in need, A fluctuating colour.

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BROWN

(Comfort)

Brown and Orange also share similarities; Brown tends to be a dependable backbone and is an extremely reliable colour. Brown helps those who depend on them, their protection encompassing many, A medium energy colour.

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WHITE

(Naivety)

White is pure, incorruptible yet also inexperienced, White is foolish. White tends to be emotionally distant and serious and is a colour based around gaining experience and learning humility, A fluctuating colour.

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GRAY

(Independent)

Gray is a clear mix of White and Black, It is a self-reliant colour with wavering experience but much logic, Gray is smart but emotionally detached, Gray would rather spend time in a cave than with peers, A low energy colour.

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BLACK

(Control)

Black is a powerful colour, An all-consuming colour that commands all else. It is the colour of a king. Black can often be found in positions of power or seeking power. Black is cunning and ambitious but easily misguided. a fluctuating colour.

NAMING

The moment you've all been waiting for!

BEFORE WE JUMP IN

Naming a character can be daunting! Especially if its a warrior cats character then you have to pick TWO names for them!

Here are some pointers for picking your OC's name!

• Does it fit their personality?

(If your character is as kind as can be, does a name like Wickedclaw fit? NO!)

• Does it flow nicely?

(Say the name out loud, as an EX Rainchaser flows better than Mulberrywhisper)

• Is it unique?

(A name like Littleberry is more unique than (Name)Claw/Pelt/Tail)

• (for those non-clanners) Is the name dynamic?

(A name like Salem or [insert cannon character name from tv show] has been overused to an extensive point, try something new like Gael, or Lumber)

PREFIXS

PLANTS Apple Asper Aspen Ash Acorn Abelia Almond Aloe Aster Artichoke Avacado Basil Bark Banana Birch Beech Bay Bean Blackberry Beet Bramble Burnet Borage Bracken Carrot Cabbage Cedar Celery Citrus Chokeberry Coffee Coconut Comfrey Corn Cyperus Cypress Dill Dandelion Date Dahlia Elm Eucalyptus Elderberry Eggplant Fig Fir Ficus Flax Fern Foxglove Garlic Ginger Gladiolus Grape Gourde Guava Goldenrod Hemlock Hawthorn Hickory Holly Hop Hydrangea Hawthorn Iris Ivy Jasmine Juniper Kiwi Kale Larch Leek Lavender Leaf Lilac Lilly Lupis Larkspur Lark Mallow Magnolia Mint Melon Mango Maple Myrtle Moor Nettle Oak Okra Orange Oregano Olive Oleander Onion Orchid Pakera Palm Peanut Pea Pepper Pecan Peony Pine Plum Poppy Potato Pumpkin Primrose Pineapple Quince Radish Raspberry Rose Rush Rosemary Rue Sage Sassafras Sedge Spruce Stock Sundew Tomato Thyme Tulip Tree Wallflower Wood Willow Watermelon Valerian Yarrow Yew Yucca

ANIMAL Ant Aardvark Bat Badger Bear Baboon Bass Bird Camel Carp Cardinal Crab Canary Deer Duck Doe Dingo Dolphin Eagle Elephant Fish Falcon Fallow Fennec Ferret Fox Fin Finch Flamingo Fiddler Frog Fawn Gecko Gerbil Gazelle Hare Hedgehog Hermit Hawk Herring Ibis Iguana Jellyfish Jackal Jaguar Kangaroo Kiwi Kingfisher Leech Ladybug Lamb Lamprey Leopard Lemming Lemur Lion Lynx Macaw Magpie Mamba Mammoth Moth Narwhal Newt Numbat Ocelot Octopus Opossom Orca Oyster Okapi Ostrich Panther Parrot Peafowl Pelican Penguin Parakeet Rabbit Racoon Rat Rattlesnake Snake Salamander Scorpion Tetra Termite Tapir Urial Viper Vulture Walrus Weasle Wasp Wallaby Yak Zebra Zebu

COLOURS Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Purple White Black Gray Russet Brown Pearl Tan beige Flaxen Blonde Rust Amber Bronze Scarlet Mahogany Ruby Magenta Slate Navy Sapphire Emerald Hickory Tawny Slate Ink Onyx Obsidian

PHYSICAL/PERSONAL Speckle Spotted Stripe Stripped Freckle Scar Crooked Broken Cracked Tattered Withered Long Short Tall Dark Light Wicked Wither Torn Crumble Twisted Split Tangle Sweet Dapple Little Tiny Small Hollow Sour Bitter

NATURE Pebble Pond Lake Rain Wind Fire Air Earth Grass Tunnel Forest Moor Mountain Sky Cloud Thunder Hail Hurricane Marsh Swamp Night Day Dawn Twilight Moss Rock Stone Wave Temple Snow Ice Sleet Breeze Flower Shadow Drizzle Dew Spark Flicker Flake

ACTION Hop Running Skid Pounce Shudder Fidget Fall Falling Drop Tumble Tackle Leap Rasp Whisper Splash Shake Paddle Rumble Rustle Holler

SUFFIX Claw Pelt Tail Muzzle Leaves Hunter Chaser Heart Spirit Pool Watcher (Tbh combining prefix's makes for better names)

ROGUE/KITTYPET Copper Rusty Harper Harpy Rookie May'may June Ladybug Pickle Pancake Waffle Hunter Oliver Tinkle Socks Sweater Tea Tapper Rootbeer Doctor Hugo Black-Jack Ace Casper Ghost Oscar Zipper Gael Thumper Thatcher

F U R T H E R M O R E

In this section we'll be tackling more serious subjects but I'll do my best to make it fun nonetheless.

DISABILITIES

Disabilities are something you need to be careful with; from the smallest of limps to the most crippling of mental disorders you always have to treat it like you would any other sensitive subject, With care.

When choosing to diagnose your character with a mental disorder in particular you must do your research!

As someone diagnosed with PTSD and Asperger's syndrome and a some other things I understand the disappointment and embarrassment that stems from seeing a character with said struggle designed in poor taste and/or without any care put into it.

Disabilities are not aesthetics and they're not cool nor do they make you 'unique' you should never diagnose a character with an illness to make them unique, or add flair.

For example, people headcanon autistic male characters as; "soft uwu, needing protection and cute/socially awkward" but only to a point of making them aesthetically pleasing sometimes even fetishizing them. And then theres the other side that treats them as subhuman and prefers to use many colourful choice words as descriptions.

As someone living with said illness, it is not cute, it's uncomfortable and makes daily life outside of my comfort bubble (my room) a struggle.

You have to be careful and if you're not willing to put in the effort to portray it right then do not portray it at all.

HEY LOOK QUESTIONS

I suggest asking yourself these before giving your character a trait as serious as this.

• Does this illness contribute to your character?

(Is it there just to be there or is there a reason?)

• Is this illness why your character is evil?

(If your character goes through psychosis or has schizophrenia is this the reason why they do bad things? If so I suggest you be careful as to not generalize and recognize that most schizophrenics do not harm people and are almost always not a danger. Mapleshade is a complicated subject and I will be using her as an example in the future.)

• Are you basing their disability off of tropes or actual facts?

(It's fine to have fun with it but do not make it a stereotype it does more harm than help)

• How does this disability affect them and their peers?

(Surely this trait would affect how the world views and reacts to them in some way)

• How does your character think about themselves/their disability?

(Do they hate it? have they learned to live with it? does it not affect them much?)

BIG NOTE: Mental health is a serious subject, and I will not be attempting to explain it in depth because I am not a mental health professional; I am an obsessive 16-year-old. I am merely here to try and aid you with my slightly above average knowledge on the subject, and I will gladly accept any critisim as long as you can provide facts/sources to back your statement or I have the time to confirm or deny your statement.

MORE TBA; I'm back, but this update was mostly dedicated to fixing spelling and grammatical errors while I work on the next section I intend to put a lot of effort into it to make sure it is as helpful as possible <3