Character Design Wizard

Guide the user through designing a game character with structured worksheets.

Arguments

• type (optional): "player", "npc", "antagonist", "party"
  • player: Main playable character
  • npc: Non-player character (ally, merchant, quest giver, etc.)
  • antagonist: Villain or boss character
  • party: Companion or party member design

Process by Type

Player Character

1. Role and function in gameplay
2. Abilities and progression
3. Visual design and silhouette
4. Backstory (if defined character)
5. Player expression opportunities

NPC

1. Function (merchant, quest giver, ally, etc.)
2. Location and availability
3. Personality (3 traits + contradiction)
4. Key dialogue/interactions
5. Connection to world/factions

Antagonist

1. Opposition type (rival, tyrant, monster, etc.)
2. Motivation stack (surface, true, hidden)
3. Threat level and presence
4. Encounter design (if boss)
5. Resolution (defeat, redemption, etc.)

Party/Companion

1. Role in gameplay (tank, support, etc.)
2. Relationship to player
3. Personal arc (if any)
4. Unique abilities
5. Personality contrast with other party members

Output

Create docs/design/characters/[name].md with:

# Character: [Name]

## Overview
- Type: [Player/NPC/Antagonist/Companion]
- Function: [Primary gameplay function]
- Hook: "[Adjective] [archetype] who [unique trait]"

## Visual Design
- Silhouette elements:
- Color palette:
- Key features:

## Personality
- Traits: [3 adjectives]
- Contradiction: Seems [X] but is [Y]
- Voice: [Speech pattern]

## Gameplay
[Abilities, interactions, or encounter design]

## Notes
[Additional design considerations]

Tips

• Function first, personality second
• One memorable trait beats ten generic ones
• Silhouette test: recognizable from outline?
• Every character should have a reason to exist