Our character’s background is something that will follow your character and influence the way it acts. Therefore, it is important that you have a solid background already thought out for your character.When writing the background it is important to keep it believable. Although we have to remember that we often play characters that are among the very best. Therefore, we have to have the background true to who the character really is.
One of the most disturbing things in a background is a character that already has saved the world twice before graduating from school. Okay, maybe that was a bit too exaggerated but you get the point. This “hero syndrome” creates characters that are way too good. If you are going to have fun posting you need to meet challenges and conflicts. A character that breezes through everything without problems simply is not fun to post for.
Another thing that is widely popular no matter what kind of character you have is to have it have a shady background. While this can make for some great posting ideas later on, it is often not believable that a character that freely roams the streets is wanted for severe crimes or has connections with several criminal organizations.
One of the most common things I have seen in a background is having all the character’s parents and relatives being dead. In some cases, this can be necessary but often it is not. In addition, keep in mind that having several relatives described in your background you can use them in your posts later. An excellent way of describing a character’s background while in the game is to have the character write a letter to a relative or friend. So do not cut down on your options too early.
Your character’s background is something that you have to stick with so be sure not to limit yourself even before the game has started!