Why choosing a (canon) character is FLAWED

[Gildarts]

Okay, so think of a cool character.

Vegeta? Ulquiorra (I don't watch bleach but DAMN), Erza, SABER—oh there's plenty! 

But how many of them are playable long-term?
Some might get repetitive, so it's hard to stay fresh, not want to change characters or change the character. After all they're awesome canonically. Maybe even throwing a love interest compromises what the best part about them was!

It's even harder when they're broad or vague, left to the audiences interpretation. Of course your interpretation is from your own unique perspective, a certain protagonist might be perfect if you want to be outgoing and have your characters choice lead the story rather than "circumstance" or the twists and turns of plot. Or maybe you want to be the source of the flame, the partner who gets a chance to have his own story (The OTHER Elric brother) who has always been in the shadow of the story but also, distinctly, a part of the purpose of it. 

Let's face it.

There's a MILLION BILLION options. But you know you best. And you know what you want, even if you don't think you do! Who/what/how you like writing doesn't always come immediately. It's really just trial and error and the finding of yourself and the story you're willing to write. 


PART TWO.

VAGUE DELIBERATION:

Who doesn't want to write a character they have a passion for/about, or where you see a unique opportunity for you alone to seize.

It all starts with the source. Book series, game. show? What's your relationship with it? 

Is it a brief obsession, have you loved it forever? Maybe you just stated playing Pokemon go and LOVE SPARK and want to marry him. Maybe you're seeking yourself in a part of that character.

One loose rule you should weigh in is how relatable the character is to you. If you just like the character and think they're cool or badass but can't get inside their head, it stands to reason you'll have trouble. That said if you feel passionately totally give it a shot. 

Next, what is their role in that source? protagonist, antagonist, NPC or secondary meant to boost or layer the story?

Each of these roles have pros and cons, it's for you to decide what you want.

Are they Goku, blunt and kinda straight forward or are they deeply well-thought and interesting, or are they mischievous and always plotting SOMEONES demise?

It's up to you which one appeals to you, DUH! But each WILL effect the style of your story, and it can be difficult to fall into your flow if your style doesn't fall with that characters distinction, or you don't find your own way to do it. 

Are they a leader (seek out their plots) or will they adapt and overcome? Usually with observance to their canon story you can tell. If you aren't sure, and have chosen them, you can probably create that for yourself, which gives you some more options/opportunity try to branch out or cement your foundation with that character.

Next! How would they react to being a prime? Would it change them? 

Obvs this ones more up to you. And the character's characteristics. How do they respond to adversity and weakness, but also the privileges of a god? Will when you take them from their world change them? As Omni said, "YOU decide."

YOU NOW.

Add things you think I forgot or if you have a question ask in the comments.

[Kyle Crane]

I can see how that's how things work for SOME people.

However, I can assure you that Mick is a canon and I'll be fine playing as him.

[Moon]

^^^

[Gildarts]

Joe- "she's basically talking about how choosing a canon character can hold you back creativity wise"

[Amaterasu]

The thing with a canon character is that you are given a pre-made character, possibly with art, but with a personality, looks, relationships and so on, meaning that while on one side sure your creativity is inhibited because you aren't making your own character, on the other side you have a well-made character to work with already.

The instant that you bring that character into the Omniverse you are faced with a new situation and nobody is telling you how to play them, there are no rules saying that the character must be played canonically. Your creativity is moreso limited by your self-imposed limits (of wanting to play the character canonically) than by the character themselves - because like said nobody will insist that you play your character a certain way. Playing a supervillain as a friendly hero or vice versa is completely acceptable in the Omniverse, and would at worst get you a few odd looks.

A canon character is mostly a crutch, in my opinion, because they give you premade art and story to have an established character that you can take onwards, rather than starting from scratch. Some people work better with OCs though. There's no real right or wrong, it's just whatever works best for that specific person.

[Trixie]

Joe- "she's basically talking about how choosing a canon character can hold you back creativity wise"

Always glad to help. :trixie:

Writing canon characters can be tricky. I wrote Toma for 4 years until 2008 when I switched to his son Vad. However I made Toma my own. In fact he even took the appearance of Vegito, because the only place Toma was really canon was the Bardock movie. That 4 years of writing Toma though, led into the 3 or 4 years I wrote Vad and he led into me writing Trixie. There are two types of canon writers. There are those who follow their characters personality and backstory and those who freeform. Deadpool would be a good example of someone who tries to be the comic version of his character. While I would be the example of someone who does their own thing. Sure Temari is going to be a sand ninja, but that's where the similarities would stop. I'm going to do my own thing with the character.

[Jade Harley]

Lol? Seems like the word choice for this thread's title was a little more aggressive than intended. I was expecting a huge rant, not sound advice.

[Amaterasu]

Lol? Seems like the word choice for this thread's title was a little more aggressive than intended. I was expecting a huge rant, not sound advice.

Don't judge a book by its cover... or a thread by its name :hee:

[Hiro Protagonist]

See, a few people think Hiro is an OC because not many people have read Snow Crash. I wasn't sure why I picked him as my alt until I actually started writing as him. The thing about Snow Crash is that it's a very action oriented book, very focused on the now. Hiro is given just enough characterization and vague backstory to extrapolate a lot of his reactions and failings as well. Plus, he's a geeky hacker samurai who is legitimately a really good swordsman.

[Alex]

I wouldn't know, I've never played a canon character.

[Gildarts]

Lol? Seems like the word choice for this thread's title was a little more aggressive than intended. I was expecting a huge rant, not sound advice.

D= I'm sorry if it seems that way 

Someone was talking to me about changing their character and it sparked it.

@Alex I was thinking that as I typed it xD but Alex I think you're a special case

Also I have 2 canon characters myself, this post wasn't meant to target anyone at all D=

[Blink]

I don't play canon characters. I might start looking like one, but I mutilate them so much that they may as well be their own entity. I roleplayed as Burter for years and he was NOTHING like he was in DBZ. Blink is slowly morphing into that too.