How do I encourage my players to make interesting characters,

h e l p

>>51017260
https://school.rocketjump.com/learn/writing-container/character-trees

This helped me write stronger characters. Inform your players that you guys are not just playing a game but collaborative story telling. Ask them if they were watching a film or reading a book/comic about their character if they would feel like they were unrealistic, flat, interesting, overdone underdone ect.

>>51017260
This >>51017699

Also, I like to make things like character backstories mandatory (i.e. you have to make your players at least make a simple backstory). Also reward roleplaying with things like XP or other small rewards that encourage others to also roleplay.

>>51017260
>>51017775
There is nothing wrong with asking for a minimum length either. I had a DM say you had to write at least 2 paragraphs, one describing where you came from, and another about how/why you became an adventurer. He also awarded bonus equipment if you wrote a separate story about you character like, what was your first adventure like etc etc. sometimes it's like a nice amount of gold for the level or a minor magic item or most often a plot device for a later event/puzzle

>>51017260
Mouse Guard RPG has a cool system for developing characters, You have to pick what your parents professions where, you get one of them to your skills.

You also have to state where from the setting you are from, because it informs some stats and ideas.

Speaking of Ideals If i remember correctly It requires you to add 2-3 ideals like morals or principles to your sheet as they are apart of how XP is awarded.

Another cool thing is they have a stat called "Circles" that lets players Invent NPC's Basicly the higher the stat the wider the range from your home town you can invent NPC's and the more likely you will run into them, but it is a double edged sword. Great for getting players invested in the world

You could probably ad hoc this off of charisma mod in DnD/pathfinder etc.

File: i wish i was at home listening to dice rolling.jpg (132KB, 1168x898px) Image search: [Google]

132KB, 1168x898px

>>51017260
If you want them to respond to you as a character, engage them as a character.

Reward them for acting in-character.

Punish them for acting out-of-character.

Ask them all a question regarding their PCs at the beginning of every game. "What is your character's biggest fear?" is a good icebreaker.

This isn't rocket surgery, kid.