Chordling
Bardbarian, the Divine Chordia of Concordia
3-to-5-Pillar System
- a tutorial -
Introduction
One of the most important aspects of a character is their personality. This is what can help the writer connect with them. It is also one of the things that many writers struggle to create. It's the core of the character, and in many cases, it's a display of how well the roleplayer will be able to portray their character throughout the story.
What is the 3-to-5-Pillar System?
In the RpNation community, the traditional format may look like a bullet of personality traits or even a lengthy description built on multiple paragraphs. The Pillar System breaks this because:
The difference between a personality trait and a belief.
On RpNation, the most commonly observed use of a personality trait is a simple adjective; a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it. (Definition provided by Google.) Many players may feel restricted with this method because their CS claims that the personality of the character needs to be written in a specific way. The use of adjectives is met with antonyms and the writer will constantly ask themselves, how can my outgoing character ever be shy? How can my aggressive character ever be calm?
A belief system goes deeper than adjectives and focuses on the character's principles and morales which are shaped by the events that occurred throughout their life. This no longer restricts the writer like the traditional form because now a character has the freedom to express different adjectives based on a situation. The character reacts to the world around them based on their "pillars"- a core belief system, instead of relying on personality traits that might not help the writer think of what the character would do.
Creating a Pillar
Creating a pillar may not be as easy to begin with because of the way that they need to be written. Here are the things that you need to keep in mind:
Conclusion
Three to five pillars are created to achieve diversity and to fulfill the title of this tutorial. Simple is best for pillar statements because that is what allows for flexibility. Supplements can be added to them later by the writer with content from the character's background and/ or development through the story. Pillars are allowed to be enforced or broken to reflect how the character grows! Feel free to adapt this method for your own use, ask questions, or leave comments for this guide. As always, happy roleplaying.
- a tutorial -
Introduction
One of the most important aspects of a character is their personality. This is what can help the writer connect with them. It is also one of the things that many writers struggle to create. It's the core of the character, and in many cases, it's a display of how well the roleplayer will be able to portray their character throughout the story.
What is the 3-to-5-Pillar System?
In the RpNation community, the traditional format may look like a bullet of personality traits or even a lengthy description built on multiple paragraphs. The Pillar System breaks this because:
- It focuses less on personality traits and more on the character's belief system.
- It is written as short philosophy statements which can be challenged by a yes or no question.
The difference between a personality trait and a belief.
On RpNation, the most commonly observed use of a personality trait is a simple adjective; a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it. (Definition provided by Google.) Many players may feel restricted with this method because their CS claims that the personality of the character needs to be written in a specific way. The use of adjectives is met with antonyms and the writer will constantly ask themselves, how can my outgoing character ever be shy? How can my aggressive character ever be calm?
A belief system goes deeper than adjectives and focuses on the character's principles and morales which are shaped by the events that occurred throughout their life. This no longer restricts the writer like the traditional form because now a character has the freedom to express different adjectives based on a situation. The character reacts to the world around them based on their "pillars"- a core belief system, instead of relying on personality traits that might not help the writer think of what the character would do.
Creating a Pillar
Creating a pillar may not be as easy to begin with because of the way that they need to be written. Here are the things that you need to keep in mind:
- Keep it to one or two short sentences. Less is more.
- Incorrect: "Do not hesitate to endanger your life at the height of a crisis in exchange for someone else's. Sacrifice your own right to live in order to let someone else that you care about be free."
- Correct: "One should be ready and willing to die for their family."
- You must be able to challenge the phrase with a "yes or no" question.
Examples: The statement, "RpNation is a roleplaying site" cannot be challenged by a "yes or no" question because it is a fact. The statement turns into a proper pillar when a conditional is added as, "RpNation is the best roleplaying site".
- Avoid the first-person and third-person voice as much as possible.
- Incorrect: "I seek personal growth through conflict." or "You should seek personal growth through conflict."
- Correct: "Conflict is the only pathway to personal growth."
- Make your statements clear. Avoid prose.
Incorrect: “The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with the falling of the dusk.” -G.W.F. Hegel
Correct: "The meaning of an era is only realized once it is over".
Conclusion
Three to five pillars are created to achieve diversity and to fulfill the title of this tutorial. Simple is best for pillar statements because that is what allows for flexibility. Supplements can be added to them later by the writer with content from the character's background and/ or development through the story. Pillars are allowed to be enforced or broken to reflect how the character grows! Feel free to adapt this method for your own use, ask questions, or leave comments for this guide. As always, happy roleplaying.
