Want to impress your DM with your quick and decisive actions in game? Want to be confident in your new character’s motivation for session one? Want to reconnect with your character after a big in-game event?

We here at Mym’s Well have come up with a list of situations for you to consider to help get to know your character on a deeper level. If you can understand how your character would feel and act (they are different things! ) in various circumstances then you know your character well enough to be decisive and confident in your actions and reactions at the table. And if you aren’t sure, don’t stress! This is the perfect opportunity to fill those gaps in your character’s personality and backstory.

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Quick note on feel vs act:

Feel is what is happening internally. They are nervous, or excited, or jealous. When you use these words, ask yourself why is your character is feeling this way in this situation. What in their personality or backstory is informing their feelings?

Act is how your character outwardly reacts. This will be related to how your character is feeling, but isn’t always the logical response. A character who is intimidated may puff up their confidence to cover up their feelings. And remember that doing nothing is also an option. The lack of action often says just as much as an action.

I’ve answered question one for two of my own characters to get you started. Thora the Halfing Paladin – She feels extremely uncomfortable with the pomp and ceremony of upper class society. She prefers the straight-forward nature of regular folk, and despises playing these aristocratic games. Her actions will be wearing an oversized dress over her armor and keeping an eye out for trouble – always vigilant! She will be completely oblivious about judgmental reactions to her behaviour, because she has no use for the approval of the wealthy.

– She feels extremely uncomfortable with the pomp and ceremony of upper class society. She prefers the straight-forward nature of regular folk, and despises playing these aristocratic games. Her actions will be wearing an oversized dress over her armor and keeping an eye out for trouble – always vigilant! She will be completely oblivious about judgmental reactions to her behaviour, because she has no use for the approval of the wealthy. Cole the Human Rogue – He feels very comfortable at societal functions, having grown up in a royal court. He doesn’t necessarily enjoy these events, but he knows how to work them. His actions will be schmoozing and charming everyone around him as he effortlessly picks up on the subtleties of this particular society. He will also make the most of a night of free food and drink. A night without revelry is a night wasted to Cole.

Now try it youself! How does your character feel about this situation?

How does your character act in this situation?