What makes for a good character background?

[Aero Grachus]

PbP GMs, when you open recruitment and state something like, "a great concept and brilliant background will trump everything" else in the character's application, what are you looking for more specifically? And more generally, what are tips for creating great character concepts and backstories?

I've never participated in a PbP, although with my schedule, I would like to. Recently, I submitted a character who was declined in spite of the fact I thought he was a fresh concept, at least in terms of what I am capable of creating. Going back to the drawing board for the next PbP application process, I'd like to have a better idea of what sort of character concept and background would be accepted.

[artavan]

Aero Grachus wrote:

PbP GMs, when you open recruitment and state something like, "a great concept and brilliant background will trump everything" else in the character's application, what are you looking for more specifically? And more generally, what are tips for creating great character concepts and backstories?

I've never participated in a PbP, although with my schedule, I would like to. Recently, I submitted a character who was declined in spite of the fact I thought he was a fresh concept, at least in terms of what I am capable of creating. Going back to the drawing board for the next PbP application process, I'd like to have a better idea of what sort of character concept and background would be accepted.

Personally I like a background that provides seeds for the GM to fill in without the player providing all the details, the pc may perceive that something happened without understanding the full context, this allows the GM freedom to get creative and surprise the pc with some interesting twist. The pc presenting the background can't know all the motivations or intentions of others involved. The answer to your question is really going to depend on the GM though.

[Björn Tarras]

artavan wrote:

Personally I like a background that provides seeds for the GM to fill in without the player providing all the details, the pc may perceive that something happened without understanding the full context, this allows the GM freedom to get creative and surprise the pc with some interesting twist. The pc presenting the background can't know all the motivations or intentions of others involved. The answer to your question is really going to depend on the GM though.

I wholeheartedly agree. A background that a GM (if he wants to) can draw some sweet adventure hooks from is really helpful. I like players to think about background reason for character quirks and demeanors, as that can help them to act more IC. If the party are a group when we begin, i also tend to have them think about relationships towards eachother, how they met, how their relationships toward the other group members are, etc.

[Ascalaphus]

It's helpful if the PCs motivations and goals are shown; that way a GM can adapt plot hooks so that they'll be more attractive.

A sketch of morality is also nice; what is the PC willing to do, eager, and what won't he do?