In the world of video games, character development plays a crucial role in crafting memorable stories. Protagonists, in particular, are often the driving force behind a game’s narrative. A relatable and complex protagonist can elevate the gameplay experience, making it more immersive and emotionally engaging for players. This article explores the importance of creating protagonists with depth and complexity, and how game developers accomplish this task.
1. The Importance of Relatable Protagonists
At the heart of many successful games lies a protagonist that players can connect with. A relatable character is one whose experiences, emotions, and decisions resonate with the audience. This connection creates an emotional investment, motivating players to progress through the story to see how the character evolves.
Relatability doesn’t necessarily mean that the protagonist must mirror the player’s life; rather, it’s about creating a character whose motivations, struggles, and growth are understandable. For example, characters dealing with personal loss, internal conflict, or ethical dilemmas often strike a chord with players because these are universally human experiences.
2. Complexity Beyond the Surface
While relatability is important, true character development goes beyond surface-level traits. A well-developed protagonist is multifaceted and nuanced. They must possess a combination of strengths, flaws, motivations, and vulnerabilities that evolve over time.
Take The Last of Us’s Joel, for instance. On the surface, he is a hardened survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, but his emotional depth comes from his personal backstory and the internal conflict he faces as he grows attached to Ellie. His decisions, driven by love and guilt, create a complex moral narrative that challenges players’ perceptions of right and wrong.
This complexity makes the character’s journey more compelling, as players begin to see the world through their eyes, making every choice and action feel significant.
3. Backstories That Shape Protagonists
A strong backstory is essential for creating a protagonist with depth. The events that shaped a character’s personality, beliefs, and motivations give context to their actions and decisions throughout the game. A compelling backstory can add layers to the character, making them feel more real and grounded.
For example, in Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan’s backstory and his past experiences with the Van der Linde gang inform his worldview and the choices he 8k bet makes throughout the game. His internal struggle between loyalty to his gang and a growing desire for redemption is deeply rooted in his past, giving players a richer understanding of his character and decisions.
By carefully constructing the protagonist’s backstory, developers can also introduce key conflicts that will shape the character’s development arc, further engaging players as they explore these themes.
4. Character Growth and Evolution
A relatable and complex protagonist is not static; they undergo growth and change throughout the game. Character development is about how the protagonist reacts to the challenges they face and how their actions impact the world around them.
In games like Mass Effect, players are given the opportunity to influence the protagonist, Commander Shepard’s, decisions, shaping the character’s morality and relationships. This dynamic growth makes Shepard a more engaging protagonist, as their character arc is shaped by the player’s choices, creating a more personalized and interactive experience.
The evolution of the protagonist is a powerful storytelling tool because it mirrors the player’s own progression. As the character learns, grows, and changes, so does the player’s understanding of the game world and their role within it.
5. Internal and External Conflict
Great protagonists are often defined by their internal and external conflicts. The external conflicts, such as battles with enemies or the environment, serve to drive the plot forward. However, the internal conflicts—such as self-doubt, moral dilemmas, or questioning one’s identity—add depth to the character.
A prime example of this is God of War’s Kratos. Initially, Kratos was a one-dimensional character driven by anger and revenge. However, with the release of God of War (2018), Kratos became a more complex figure, struggling with fatherhood, guilt, and his desire for redemption. His internal conflict is just as important as his external battles, adding emotional weight to his journey.
These internal struggles not only make the character more relatable but also challenge players to reflect on their own values and decisions.
6. Empathy Through Dialogue and Interaction
A key tool in building a relatable and complex protagonist is dialogue. How a character speaks, reacts, and interacts with others can reveal volumes about their personality, relationships, and inner world. Engaging dialogue allows players to connect with the protagonist on a deeper level and further understand their motivations.
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Geralt of Rivia’s interactions with other characters—especially his relationships with characters like Yennefer and Ciri—help to define his personality. The choices players make during conversations and side missions allow them to shape Geralt’s relationships, further humanizing him and giving players a stake in his journey.
Conclusion
Creating relatable and complex protagonists is a critical aspect of successful gaming character development. When a protagonist has depth—through their backstory, growth, internal and external conflicts, and meaningful interactions—it enriches the player’s experience. The more players can identify with or understand the protagonist’s journey, the more invested they become in the game’s narrative. Whether through moral dilemmas, personal growth, or challenging conflicts, a well-developed protagonist enhances the overall storytelling, ensuring that players not only enjoy the gameplay but also leave with lasting emotional memories.
