This is original content is written my me. If you would like to use it elsewhere, please quote me and link back to this post.
Bullet Point BackstoryHere’s a quick bullet list for building some complexity into your character.
Don’t forget the #1 Rule, and don’t forget to provide in-game purpose to your backstory.
- Pick a concept or theme for your character. Consider unusual combinations!
- Bubbly CEO, Grumpy Healer, Gossipy Scout, Emotional Soldier, etc
- Come up with their “bonds”
- D&D 5E offers suggestions based on your chosen Backstory, but you can invent new ones!
- Who do they care about?
- Who cares about them? (Everyone forgets this one.)
- What places are they attached to?
- What favors do they owe?
- Memories
- What are a few stories your character loves retelling?
- List some character-defining moments your character remembers
- What about your character’s biggest moment of embarrassment?
- Goals/motivations
- What is your character trying to do right now?
- Why? What is their longer-term goal?
Part 0:
The IntroductionPart 1:
My own backstoryPart 2:
Why even write a backstory?Part 3:
Starting off SimplePart 4:
A Harder HistoryPart 5:
Expert Mode EpicsPart 6:
Bullet-point Backstory <-- You Are Here
Part 7:
A Quick Conclusion
