User blog:DustpeltX/Character Creation Guide Ver. Volume 3

Hello stranger!

If you are reading this, then you have stumbled upon the original-character creation guide of the RWBY-Fanon Wikia. This guide was written by DustpeltX, a temporary reviewer during community-wide Character RE-Review after the events of RWBY Volume 3, in an effort to provide some clarity and guidance in the construction of your very own Original Character!

To start your journey continue reading, or, if you need assistance in only certain areas, use the table of contents.

Helpful Tip:


 * Anything italicised is skippable material as they are just ramblings but still contain useful information should you choose to read it.
 * Make sure you read the RWBY-Fanon Guidelines if you wish to go through the review process. Everything stated here is under the rule of the Guidelines.

So You Want to Make A Character
Characters tend to be one-dimensional, often fulfilling very niche objectives and expresses very few notable traits. In short, characters are simply unrelatable due to simplicity. So this guide won’t be about making characters, but individuals.

<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Individuals on the other hand exhibit multiple quirks, fleshed out personalities, meaningful thoughts and relatable traits. The individual feels real where as a character is easily dismissed.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">In this guide, I will attempt to produce an individual, not a character, something of which I feel is far superior in writing than anything else. However, that is not to say your own character must start out extremely fleshed and developed. That is an impossibility. Creating an individual requires time, you look your, or someone else’s, life for inspiration on an individual and most importantly, you look at the individual’s life as you develop him/her/it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I will still be using the word character to describe the creation, however.

<span style="font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Profile
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:4pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Your character profile is a general list of traits akin to a police report as, in the RWBY-verse, Monty’s Colour Naming Rule reigns supreme, and thus, Your character is required to have a colour orientated name. How you go about the orientation is up to you and there are certain roads you can take to match the colour rule favourably.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">During the construction of your character’s page, you can use the Character Infobox Template to get ideas on what to include in it. Simply go to the “Insert” tab and click “Template”; a list of options will present itself and you want to pick the “FanCharBox” option. If you’re using the Classic Editor, the Template tab will be in the sidebar on the right, click add other templates to search for the Template you want.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">And example looks like like this:

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">There are a lot more sections so take your time, but make sure to fill out all that you can.

<span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Things to Note:

 * <p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.7999999999999998;margin-top:6pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Monty’s Colour Naming Rule
 * <p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.7999999999999998;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Character reference/inspiration
 * <p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.7999999999999998;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Humans/Faunus/Grimm/Machine

<span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Author's Note:
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:4pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">A lot of characters derive their names not as a colour but a reference to a well known object, place, person of interest or media. To put this into perspective, I will be using one of my creations, <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Heart<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">, as an example:

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">When one thinks of "heart" as a word, red is the colour that pops up as it is usually a heart's colour. In addition, I twisted the meaning a bit to allude to a damaged heart, akin to a bruise, which appears purple giving her the colour purple.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">A very crafty Canonical example would be Lie Ren with Ren <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">(蓮) <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">meaning "Lotus" in Chinese giving him his lotus emblem. In addition, his combined name of Lie Ren transforms Ren in the character <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">(人) <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">for man and  the character <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">(烈) <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> meaing "ardent" for Lie. Putting Lie Ren together give you <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">(烈人) <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">which means "Hunter" in Chinese.

<span style="font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Appearance
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:4pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Character appearance should be the first of several features of your character profile. It gives others an idea of what your character might look like in their heads. It also gives the character an identity to start with and tells a story without disclosing it. As most people can agree, looks can be deiceiving as well so an appearance does not necessarily dictate the rest of the character.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">When dressing or designing a character, it is helpful to think about how you can match the design to the general concept of the character. One should also consider the logic of the appearance, in other words, does the appearance fit into the the RWBY-verse? Does it logically work out?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">One can also consider why a character chooses to dress a certain way, maybe some pieces of clothing are sentimental in value or perhaps they were raised a certain way. Say a character has a scar, how did the character get it? It is these simple details that are able to hint at a character's traits without telling the reader and eventaully evolve a character into an individual.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The sky is the limit here, save for certain exceptions that are limited by the Guidelines, those include the <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Silver Eyes (Spoilers)<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">.

<span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Things to Note:

 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">DO


 * Try to match your character's appearance to his/her/its colour


 * Consider the logic behind the clothing or appearance


 * ​ Consider the character's reasoning behind the clothing or appearance
 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">DO NOT

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:4pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">TIP:
 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">​ Be lazy


 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">For those who are not particularily creative, like me, I have found it helpful to look at concept art of other characters and see how they evolved design wise. In this day and age, being original is not important (rather, it is almost an impossibility), but to create something to call your own is to take the ideas of others and improve or alter upon them. There is nothing shameful about doing this and exposes you to more design aspects for future reference.
 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Good artwork is not required for a character page; if you can draw, it is encouraged that you do so if it helps with the developmental process. In addition, there are quite a few artists in the Fanon Community that are willing to service for money. Rates vary and I make no commentaries as to what is acceptable pricing. A list can be found <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> here<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">.
 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">You are also welcome to use character generators such as <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Chibi Maker by gen8<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">, <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">dreamself.me<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> and <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">rinmarugames<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> to make rough representations of your character.

<span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Author's Note:
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:4pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">As part of the generation that went through what most of the veteran community calls "Hoods and Jeans" period, I cannot stress enough on what not to do in an appearance. There was a time when many characters reviewed had appearances that consisted of nothing but "hoodies and jeans" or another variation like "t-shirt and jeans". Not that it is unnacceptable, but it was lazy and definetly displeasing. I sincerely discourage you from doing this unless it is core to your character. This type of appearance is meaningless, it degrades your character and makes it subject to justified redicule.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Another offender to this is the over use of trench coats. This may be a personal point but I believe many veterans can agree that trench coats are also a very lazy way of modifying a character's appearance. The problem with trench coats is their "cool factor" which, ironically, produces the opposite effect. I am not saying trench coats are frowned upon, I am saying rampant and unjustified use of trench coats is frowned upon.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Rayne Annarosé<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">, another one of my characters. is an example for good trench coat use. She does not wear one for just to be cool or for the hell of it, but the coat itself is part of her story and past identity. It is both a symbol or purity, belonging, and violence. The coat has a reason to be here and it enhances her as a character. In addition, the coat itself is a motif to a much larger group or characters namely her step-sister, <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Alice Schiess<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">, and step-mother, <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#7458c1;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Selena Schiess<span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">, who all wear the same type of coat.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Faunus characters also suffer from the same problem as everyone wants to be part wolf, fox, cat, dog, tiger, or any "badass"/"cute" animal. Again, I am not discouraging the use of these traits but because of the abundance of them instantly makes a character bland in majority's view unless something very unique or outstanding is done that sets them apart from the norm.

Personality
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:4pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The personality defines how an individual will act, what they say, and what others say about them. This makes a personality the most defining feature in a character.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Personalities can vary, it is what makes us individuals and it is no different for fictional individuals either. What makes a good personality is its consistency when faced with conflict. Your character should react the way he/she/it is designed to react. Consistency also lends itself to believability, or, how close your character is to being a real human being.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">It is also worth noting that personalities are vast and they vary from person to person. Personalities clash and mingle like a chemical reaction and with variety comes personalities that people will not like. That is not to say they are "bad" personalities but simply that they are unrelatable. This is a good thing and it is what makes "antagonsist" or simply a fun element to a protagonist. The above rules can still be applied where a disliked personality can be consistent and believable and thus, making your character an individual.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">They also evolve as an individual grows. Personalities are not static, they are allowed to change, and it is not hard to do so with readily available Role Plays the characters participate in. Remember, however, that changes need a cause so explain the change with a reason.

<span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Things to Note:

 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">DO


 * Be consistent/distinct


 * Make believable personalities


 * Make unrelatable personalities


 * Make personalities that people will hate the character for
 * <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">DO NOT


 * Make a Mary-Sue/Gary-Stu

<span style="font-size:16px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:700;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Author's Note:
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:4pt;margin-bottom:6pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">I want to mention a character with a very good personality and equally good development that I just discovered. The character, Song Jae Gu, is from a Korean Manga   <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Girls of the Wild's <span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The premise focuses on Jae Gu being forced into an all girls school which recently allowed males into its ranks. Jae Gu history consisted of his mother abandoning him and his little fraternal twins at the age of 12. His enrollment into the school was due to a free, fully-paid scholarship offered to male students in an effort to boost their male student population, which he accepted due to his lack of money. Of course to comeplete the "everything is wrong in his life" trope, he gets bullied by other guys from other schools and does nothing about it.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Also, the school has a tendency of housing girls who can beat the shit out of each other with martial arts. I mean, they have specially made gloves for the girls to wear not to protect the girls from injury but to protect the girl's opponents from injury. Anywa, moot point.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">So what makes Jae Gu special?

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Well for one, he is a loser.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">He is not one of those charismatic heros that you often see who start out with even a little bit of fighting power and then watch as he gets stronger and stronger until he reaches the final boss. Instead, he is completely submissive as a character.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Remember that characters are defined by what he/she does, says and thinks as well as what other characters does says and thinks to and about them and in Jae Gu's case it's really nice the way he expresses himself and how his friends describe him.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Song Jae Gu endures his abuse because he has an obligation to take care of his twin siblings. He even states, "If my siblings weren't here, I would have no reason to live." He does not approach girls despite a massive harem of a highschool he is in because he is a diagnosed misogynist who hates women (he calls himself a misogynist!), a product of his mother's absense. A great example of this trait in action is when he insults the school's strongest girl, Queen, by calling her a monster out of no where.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Basically, instead of wallowing in his own life's miseries, he just performs. For the sake of his two siblings that look up to him as a parent figure. And you FEEL that in a really specific order. You FEEL angry at the mother for ditching her responsibilites, you FEEL angry at the bullies for abusing a character that did nothing to them and most of all, you're INFURIATED at the fact that Song Jae Gu doesn't value himself enough to even talk back, let alone fight back.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">He is a useless shit, and he has a crappy character.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">But that's what makes him relatable, and it is also what makes his later redemption and development that much more satisfying to read. You get to watch him take back his life one piece at a time. (You should read it)

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.89;margin-top:11pt;margin-bottom:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13.333333333333332px;font-family:Arial;color:#d5d4d4;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Another thing I despise in personalities is the cliché of a character with some personality but "you wouldn't want them angry!" I mean, like, come on.

Weapons and Abilities
I am sure I do not need to explain this section, however, it is still worth to note that this is the area where most rejections take place. To ensure the best possibility for acceptance, there are several easy things you can do. On the topic of weapon construction, in addition to following the Guidelines, the RWBY-verse is known for their multi-purpose weapons. It should be stressed that multi-purpose means a lot more than just slapping a gun on sword and calling it a day. Chances are if you do that: A good way of mitigating this problem is to look at weapons by themselves first. Say I am looking at a knife, what are the disadvantages of a knife? Range, damage, speed, etc. these are all things to consider. Then you ask how one can alter a knife to mitigate the disadvantages or boost the advantage to cover for its weakness.
 * 1) Read the Weapons and Aura section of the Guidelines
 * 2) *The most basic of things to do, if you follow the guidelines correctly, I can give you a 90% chance of acceptance.
 * 3) Base your weapons as close to science as possible
 * 4) *This is so that reviewers cannot refute your point. However, keep in mind that this is the RWBY-verse where scythes with guns on them can propel a 16 year-old girl weighing about 110 lbs so do not let science limit you too much. You just want a reasonable balance
 * 5) Imagine a battle in your head
 * 6) *Probably the most helpful of the three tips I can give you. Imagine a battle scenario in which your character is fighting, will he/she/it win or lose? If they win, why? If they lose, why? Also take note that there must be situation where your character can win or else your character might be to weak and if there is a lack of reasonable situations where your character can lose, your character might be overpowered.
 * 1) It sounds stupid
 * 2) It already exists

The last thing that should be noted is that characters should not be good at everything, nobody is good at everything. Even if you are, it only means you are mediocre at everything at best.

Things to Note:

 * DO


 * ​ <span style="font-size:13.3333px;font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;line-height:1.38;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Be consistent/distinct


 * <span style="font-size:13.3333px;font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;line-height:1.38;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Make logical mechanisms


 * <span style="font-size:13.3333px;font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;line-height:1.38;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Take into account the character's theme


 * <span style="font-size:13.3333px;font-weight:400;white-space:pre-wrap;line-height:1.38;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Take into account the character's personality
 * DO NOT


 * Make a jack of all trades
 * Make something that contradicts the Guidelines

Author's Note:
'' There are numerous issues with weaponry that have similar problems to appearances. Those being the exotic katanas and tonfa. Katans suffer the most from this as Hollywood has branded them the most mystical of blades and tonfas, while traditionally rare, have exploded in popularity due to their versatility and modibility. I am not saying that katanas and tonfas are bad weapons, but that unexplained and unoriginal inclusion as part of a character's kit is again, lazy writing, and done for the sake of a "cool factor". In fact of the seven characters I currently have, five of them use katana-like swords but I do not consider them "bad" uses. In general, weapons should be statements about the character. I will 'try to justify them as I go along and I'll sacrifice them as a guinea pig for this guide:''


 * ​ Heart, and Asher Stahl - tl;dr Plain Swords 


 * ​These two are my bread and butter OCs and they both use plain, non-transforming weapons. This is partially due to them being my first creations and my lack of appeal with engineering in general, but despite several reworks I have grown quite fond of the vanilla weapons these two possess. The reason these two have vanilla weapons is due to their backstories being blades forged from a humble blacksmith in the mountains, Heart's father. I also kind of cheat by not mentioning them as "katanas" perse but I do like to think they were made in that way due to the lack of good materials the blacksmith has access to. This is in part that I like the philopshy behind katana making rather than the katana itself. It reflects the characters as people of low quality, but if applied right can become something of high quality. If you don't get what I mean, the reason katanas are revered outside of Hollywood is their high quality craftsmanship despite the low quality and abundance of appropraite material. To argue that katanas are the "best" blades is stupid but to say they aren't made well is simply a lie. 
 * Alice Schiess - tl;dr Science Katana


 * My attempt at making some sort of anti-hero and a weapon nerd's wet dream until the weapon rule got enforced. Instead, I made her weapon a mirror to Heart and Asher's blades. A weapon supposedly made from studying the way of making metal with quality on par with Heart and Asher's weapons, this plain sword is used as a way of pitting new tech with old tradition. I haven't made them fight each other yet, but which blade would win? The blade made with science? Or the one made from tradition? Who knows.
 * Maroon Rockbell - tl;dr Expertly-Made "Edge" Blade


 * This weapon actually is not important, but it does act as a catalyst for this character's fighting style. Also a plaine sword, but get this, it's really long... Yeah it's not very interesting BUT her semblance and fighting style compliments it where there's no need for it to do anything else.
 * Selena Schiess - tl;dr Who's-Your-Daddy Sword

''I guess the point I'm trying to prove is that over-used weapons can work, but it depends on the context. Is the character defined by the weapon? Or is the weapon defined by the character? If it is the former, pick another weapon. If it is the latter, well, you might have something going on there. A weapon is an extention of a character both literally and, well, literally. ''
 * It's actually only one-half of her full weapon but it's a plain sword nonetheless. I could argue that I dodged the trope by adding it as a combination weapon and I would be technically correct but it wouldn't prove my point, so let's annalyze the actual sword. This time I DO mention that it is a variation on a katana type weapon but I like to think my emphasis on this weapon's existence isn't to appeal to the "katana coolness factor" but rather shows a battle between the allegiance of a weapon. The presense of this weapon is to pose the a situation where one question, "Is blood stronger than steel?" Selena is definetly my strongest character, but does her stolen sword dare to injure the daughter of her creator?

''There is a matter of fighting prowess as well. It is hard to judge power in a sense but there are some ways of easily giving the reviewer, or anyone for that matter, a general idea of a character's strengths. By mentioning their strength level compared to say civilians, Beacon students, Hunters, fully fledged Hunters, military, etc. one can gaige the power of a character. ''

''You should also take into account the advantages and disadvantages of a character's weapons, abilities or fighting style. Strengths? List them. Weaknesses? List them harder. No character is flawless, not even God (Bang bang! Checkmate Theists!). Weaknesses in your character's fighting style is what makes the character fun to use and fun for others to RP against. You can also include some non-combat skills in here as well, they are fun to know about and adds to the character.''

Sembances
Semblances are not required, but if you do choose to include one do, apply the KISS principle.

Keep It Simple, Stupid is a design principle used by US Navy during the 60s and its exactly that. A Semblance should be simple to its core that the character can manipulate and apply the ability in multiple situations and can also fit the character theme as well. Of course, that is not to say that Semblances cannot be functionally complicated.

Keep in mind the no limits fallacy, mind intrusion and time bending/traveling**** paradoxes, none of these are fun for anyone to RP against. Should also mention no Aura by-pass, familiar generation or anything of that sort. Of course, this rule is always subject to change as the series progresses but even IF abilities like that do exist, they are probably rare and are still not fun to RP against.

Unfortunately, there is not much to elaborate in term of Semblances as they have a wide range of possibilities, this is where the guide cannot hold your hand but rather the Guidelines.

Things to Note:

 * DO


 * ​ Be consistent/distinct


 * Make logical mechanism


 * Take into account the character's theme


 * Take into account the character's personality
 * DO NOT


 * Make something that contradicts the Guidelines

Author's Note:
So for examples I have one that is rather simple and strong, and one that is complicated but conditional:


 *  Selena Schiess - tl;dr Shocking, Isn't it 


 * This is my example of a simple Semblance. Simple electricity affinity. Take note that I emphasize that the shocks aren't lethal, indicating that the power isn't powerful enough to insta-pop someone by touching them but I give situations where the ability can be applied in a devestating way. The ability also compliments her as a functionable character by giving her eyesight and usable combat prowess. The Semblances also lends to her predator theme with a mix of a shark-like hunting strategy and a spider in a web method. One should aim for something like this.


 *  Maroon Rockbell - tl;dr Likes It Hot Inside Her 


 *  ​ This is my example of a complicated Semblance BUT with a simple premise. In this example, the Semblance is the major player while the weapon takes a black seat. However, the Semblance is still limiting and so the weapons need to step in to add to the lethality. Her Semblance has to do with the duality of her character and the acceptance or expulsion of unwanted characteristics.

''The formula for a balanced Semblance is simple give and take. You can have a powerful Semblance but make it a unitasker or a simple, less powerful Semblance but make it a multitasker. This would be my ideal and healthy way of generating a Semblance. The biggest mistake most people make is when they make a really powerful Semblance that has no limit or simply do not compliment anything in their character.''

Backstory
The part where you get to tell a story and justify everything you have developed so far for your character. Give your character the reason to be the person that he/she/it is today. Make him/her/it a relatable character, or a hated villain. This is where you would do it.

Once again, the sky is the limit here but there is a thin border separating interesting from outlandish and straight edgy. Do not fall into these traps! A backstory should be reasonably eventful but only include the events that develop the character. This is a summary, there is no need to go overboard here.

Things to Note:

 * DO


 * ​ Make an interesting story
 * DO NOT

<p style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;line-height:1.8;">
 * Make a backstory that emcompasses every little detail that happened in your character's life

Author's Note:
''One thing many of the veterans in this community cannot stand is the "dead parents" trope. It is simply way too common as a driving factor and is again, lazy writing unless justified. Again, I am not exempt for this as two of my 7 characters have dead parents but was done for the sake of making a team's relationship more interesting.''

Again, that is what is all boils down to when you want to use certain tropes, one must alter it in a way where it seems original.

Conclusion
'' Yeah that's it, now that I think about it, this was actually quite a pain to write. However, if read through my guide and applied these methods, I, as a reviewer would probably accept your character. ''

'' Just remember that if your character doesn't get accepted, that's fine, try to look at it from a different perspective. Some reviewers do take the time to write out somethings that they might have done differently, me included, and more importantly, and I can't stress this enough, reviewers are people too. There's no need to storm their wall and spam hateful messages about how your character wasn't accepted nor is there need to be immature and write a whole meaningless blog post about it. If you have a problem talk to the reviewer. If you have a problem with the reviewer, get another reviewer's opinion on the matter. Ask the reviewer what THEY think is the main problem, chances are they are more than happy to help you out. Anyway, happy writing! ''