I agree with Gegenji that it can be done well if you properly consider the weight and affect amnesia would have the character, and what matters is how your character deals and reacts to the fact they suffer from amnesia.Â
The only times I've interacted with characters with amnesia that really stuck out to me were experiences in the Quicksand. The character would mention it casually to the age old question of "Oh, where are you from?" and my character would respond "Well, shit, are you ok? Have you tried finding out what happened?" to be met with a playful shrug and a shake of the head. It did come across as lazy "I haven't thought of a backstory so I'll make it up as I go along" type deal.
But that doesn't mean it can't be done well! Kilieit made a good point about doing your research into real life cases of amnesia to try and figure out how it would truly affect your character and how you could work that into a story. I think a mysterious and unknown past could be a really great plot device. Discovering what had really happened to the character can bring some sweet, sweet angst and development not just with your own, but others she has met before too!Â
I don't think roleplaying a cliche is a bad thing at all and you should fully explore it if it's a route you're seriously considering. Heck, I've considered using amensia for a character backstory too by making the main character concept about discovering the truth... but it's not all that simple. Anyways, good luck in your roleplay!
The only times I've interacted with characters with amnesia that really stuck out to me were experiences in the Quicksand. The character would mention it casually to the age old question of "Oh, where are you from?" and my character would respond "Well, shit, are you ok? Have you tried finding out what happened?" to be met with a playful shrug and a shake of the head. It did come across as lazy "I haven't thought of a backstory so I'll make it up as I go along" type deal.
But that doesn't mean it can't be done well! Kilieit made a good point about doing your research into real life cases of amnesia to try and figure out how it would truly affect your character and how you could work that into a story. I think a mysterious and unknown past could be a really great plot device. Discovering what had really happened to the character can bring some sweet, sweet angst and development not just with your own, but others she has met before too!Â
I don't think roleplaying a cliche is a bad thing at all and you should fully explore it if it's a route you're seriously considering. Heck, I've considered using amensia for a character backstory too by making the main character concept about discovering the truth... but it's not all that simple. Anyways, good luck in your roleplay!
