Notes from Tim Schafer's 2004 Game Developers Conference speech on Character Design

I came across this link and came to the conclusion that I absolutely had to write down some notes on it:

Tim Schafer's Character Design Insight

- Make sure the characters are identifiable
- Blank player characters don't necessarily mean that the player will enjoy them more.
- Not everyone wants the same fantasy character.
- Give the star (Player character) the coolest dialogue
- In a game, you're asking the player to play the main role, as if you were asking an actor to star in your movie.
- Simple, deeply felt emotions allow for players to better relate to the character.
- Characters should develope and grow emotionally.
- Invest time in your characters, don't get sloppy!
- Question your characters, "Am I sure that this is right for the character?"
- Make sure that as the author of the characters, you truly care about them.
- Check to see if the player wants to impress the other characters, that means he or she is interested in your characters.
- Make sure the supporting characters react to the player's actions and choices, this creates an
additional layer of immersion making the characters that much more believable.
- Create a back-story, know more than you show the player.
- What are the character's relationships with the other characters? Remember that even characters should have relationships, even if they are fabricated.
- Don't be afraid to make a personal statement with your game. Games will never become an art
form if you refrain from putting your own emotions, thoughts, or views into the game.

Ways to create your characters/define characters:
- Borrow from real people or people from your life
- Collaboration & research
- Giving full names to your characters can help you think of who the character is
- Character Age
- What would the character say about themself?
- What are the the characters interests, hobbies?
- What are the character's social networks, who are their friends?
- Have imaginary conversations with your characters.
- Take a previously done character and extract their abstract essence, and apply it to your own character.