Nature Vs. Nurture

[nateflory]

I've tried both methods, really, and had both success and [what I consider] failure with both.

Some characters I get a rough idea or vague personality in my head, then create them and let the little quirks and details be fleshed out based on events, but generally be set ahead of time before clicking the Create-a-Face.

Some characters Iv'e spawned as "noname" and just seen what happens.

My favorite though, were a mix of that, where I had the luck to have a decent personality in mind, but let the majority of the character's style be based on what skills they have, and who talked to them first/most.

...all the above, I realize, is also a very non-answer. "Both!"

[Alladinsane]

My most deadly character is a very peace-loving person who regrets it terribly when he has to kill, and his wife is a dedicated pacifist also and there is always tension involved when he does what he considers to be "his job" and utilizes his best skill. He started as a very nervous and talkative fellow and was recruited into religion, which changed his whole personality.

Usually I have an idea and pursue it, often the flaw or trait does not emerge for years though its always there and a look back shows a consistency with it ( I hope). Some things, like certain mental illnesses, prejudices or quirks are not readily apparent unless somebody chooses to overplay it. Subtle ideas flesh out a character more to me than the guy running around as the outward committed butthead. Sometimes a person is a saccharin personality until that one quirk, one incident, one person sets them off. Or sometimes a very cold outward facade can conceal a quite caring and endearing person on the inside. I like things like that, and giving someone else the chance to actually 'know' my characters. Heck, I have one who has a totally undeserved reputation as a womanizer...actually two with that reputation and they are both quite committed to their partners. One denies his reputation, the other claims it and is not really quite the stud that he reputes himself to be. You know how 'the guys' like to overstate their prowess.

So I begin with Nature and even give a clue often when I name someone...but the environment of their spawning or travels can flesh out the initial nature into something different.

Be well faceted.