Differences and similarities between you and your character

[13uddy]

There were a few comments in other threads about how a character may be different or similar to the person playing them, and I'm curious if there are any major differences or similarities between your character and yourself.

 

Similarities

 

 

I think the two biggest similarities are that we both survived being very ill as children (I'm a cancer survivor and he was very weak and ill due to injury, dangerously high fevers, infections and other things) and that we are both fascinated with the mythology and folklore of our worlds.  

 

We also have a shared weakness for sweets.  Granted, I do have some self control, but sometimes I may tell myself I'm only going to eat one or two squares from a bar of chocolate and end up eating half the bar (if not all of it).  

 

And then there is a somewhat similar sense of humor and general outlook.  We both know things are or can be bad, we just try not to let it get us down.  We aren't saints, but we would rather make someone laugh or smile instead of making them feel bad or starting an argument over something trivial.

 

Differences

 

 

There are several minor ones, but stuff like "he can walk without assistance" or "he can hear" don't really count to me.  

 

He loves spicy foods.  Technically, I do enjoy spicy foods, I just can't have them due to my ulcers and other stomach issues.  To be honest, this is a fairly common trait with my characters since I wish I could eat spicy foods without ending up in the hospital or just feeling very uncomfortable for days after.  I'm living vicariously though them this way.

 

He hates strong alcohol, mostly because he has a very, very low tolerance, but he also hates the taste.  I, on the other hand, don't have a preference.  I don't drink very often (mostly due to the same reason I can't have spicy foods), but I'm not that bothered by the taste of hard liquor.  I actually enjoy the taste of some on their own rather than mixed with something.

 

He's also a fair bit superstitious.  Nothing too extreme, but there are a bunch of little things he believes that are usually nothing more than rumors or old beliefs.  I can't honestly say that I'm not, but I'm not even close to the same degree that he is.

[Aaron]

Deleted for a better version

[cuideag]

Similarities:

1. Sense of humor

2. Love of snark

3. Everybody's cute

4. Doesn't know what to do with kindness, gifts, etc.

5. REALLY BAD at sympathy

6. Happy drunk

 

Differences:

1. Much more violent than me (I ain't about to kill anybody, yeesh)

2. Puts a whole heck of a lot more effort into her appearance and carriage than me

3. Much more open about her sexuality

4. A lot closer to her family/loved ones... or tries to be, anyway, with often catastrophic results.

5. Much more aggressive in a lot of areas in general than I am

6. Looks that can kill vs. .....panda bear?? potato??????? WHAT AM I

[Unnamed Mercenary]

Similarities:

A love of food

Decent alcohol tolerance

Hiding issues

We try to stay collected in heated issues

 

Differences:

Franz is nearly a fulm (a foot) taller than I am

Franz is actually in shape and wants to keep it that way

WAY more prone to violence

Franz can fight

I'm not homeless or unemployed

[Kellach Woods]

We're both pan.

 

Das it mane.

[Asmodean]

Similarities:

Respectful until you prove you do not deserve respect.

Strong work ethics

Calm and resourceful

Suffer from bouts of insomnia

 

Differences:

I am not a Warrior nor think killing is every the right choice.

I have no pets due to lack of funds and doubt I would be able to take good care of them.

Asmodean has lost both his parents where I lucky still have both of mine

Asmodean has some faith in the twelve while I am an agnostic Atheist

Asmodean is a skilled piano player. I can only dream :cry:

 

 

I'm sure there is more but currently lack of sleep make thinking hard. >.>

[Hali]

Corelyn:

Differences:

- Corelyn is far, far, far more intelligent (than just about anyone, but that includes myself)

- Corelyn has a far better ability to retain information without needing references

- Corelyn has far more focus

- Corelyn is female; her player is male

- Corelyn is pansexual; her player is heterosexual

- Corelyn dyes her hair and has piercings

- Corelyn is in shape, to a degree

- Corelyn doesn't have any physical disabilities

- Corelyn served in the military

- Corelyn has a massive phobia of the undead

- Corelyn is not entirely human (Garlean pureblood being its own race, I assume)

- Corelyn prefers sweet foods; her player prefers anything and everything, but mostly salty

- Corelyn is far more self-centred

- Corelyn is actually fairly attractive (hurhurhur); her player is a bum

 

Similarities:

- Both have an undying love of machinery, technology, and the like

- Both wear corrective eyewear

- Both are naturally blonde

- Both have problems with anxiety and paranoia

- Both make an honest attempt to do good

- Both feel as though they are "more intelligent than a lot of people"

- Both encounter a fair amount of issues because of the above

- Both have a difficult time understanding strange customs, especially harmful ones

- Neither like wasting time'

- Neither are particularly good with prolonged social exposure without breaks

 

 

Dail'a:

Differences:

- Dail'a is in incredible shape

- Dail'a doesn't have any physical or mental disabilities

- Dail'a is proficient in many forms of martial combat

- Dail'a tends to be incredibly cocky and confident

- Dail'a likes giving people fun nicknames

- Dail'a has near-perfect vision and generally better senses overall

- Dail'a is incredibly tough - can shrug off or withstand most heavy wounds

- Dail'a is a wandering, homeless adventurer who lives out of inn rooms

- Dail'a is a miqo'te Keeper of the Moon - fangs, tail, ears - all that to go with it

- Dail'a has a very thick cockney

- Dail'a doesn't care enough to learn what he views as irrelevant at the time

- Dail'a can and will break things or hurt people when angered by them

- Dail'a has a nearly unending appetite

- Dail'a has no concern for consequences if he feels he can avoid them

- Dail'a is covered in tattoos

 

Similarities:

- Both want to do the "right thing" - whatever that seems to be at the time

- Both tend to be assholes and love messing with people

- Both will cut it out the moment someone is legitimately upset

- Both have an undying love of cats

- Both utterly despise formalities, regarding them as fake and somewhat insulting

- Both are fairly easy-going, choosing not to care about much

- Both use the above as a mechanism to not worry about everything and everyone

- Both have explosives tempers and will nerd rage, scream, yell and stomp around

- Both love food and will eat damned near anything and everything - especially salty stuff

- Both love it when things go "boom" - EXPLOSIONS!

- Both have ridiculous and often immature or bizarre senses of humour

- Both have blond hair and blue eyes

- Both are incredibly sensitive to bright lights and high-pitched noises

[DeletedUser]

Similarities

 

1. We both tend to worry. A lot.

2. We want to see everyone getting along.

3. We have a bit of a temper. :blush:

4. We're both scared of ghosts (which don't exist...RIGHT?)!

 

Differences

 

1. I hate fish and beer.

2. I hate thrill seeking.

3. I hate lying and keeping secrets.

4. I don't steal!

5. I can read and write properly (I hope!).

[Gegenji]

There's plenty of major differences that are obvious - not being a Popoto in real life, for example - as well a many nuances I could point out (hair and eye color, overall height, etc.). However, I'll throw together a vague list of similarities and differences across my three characters, of both actual and (possibly) humorous things.

 

Chachan~!

Similarities

We both...

- Want people to be happy and have fun. :blush:

- Worry a lot.

- Are very loyal.

- Love hugs!

- Like fizzy drinks and don't drink alcohol.

- Know how to fight a little, but nothing extraordinary!

- Have done quite a bit of traveling!

 

Differences

I'm not...

- Anywhere near as fit.

- As good at making friends and talking to people.

- As knowledgeable in metallurgy (i.e. next to none).

- Nearly as dim-witted (I feel like I am sometimes, though!)

- Anywhere near as adorable.

 

Gogon

Similarities

We both...

- Wear glasses.

- Are roughly in the same age range.

- Enjoy thinking tactically.

- Are awkward in social situations (though for differing reasons).

- Are good at math!

- Don't like not knowing stuff.

 

Differences

I'm not...

- Anywhere near as egotistical and self-centered.

- As mean to other people (I hope... ).

- As intelligent (as he's supposed to be, anyway).

- Good with history.

- Any sort of leadership material.

- All that fond of tea.

 

Judge

Similarities

We both...

- Dislike people who break the law (especially bad drivers, for me).

- Are often told we're being too loud when we don't think we are. :<

- Are more likely to be reactive than proactive.

 

Differences

I'm not...

- Of such a Black-and-White viewpoint on everything.

- Old.

- Strong or intimidating or have anywhere near his level of presence.

- Able to cook nor as critical of cooking.

- A drinker of alcohol.

- Able to ride a horse around with my arms crossed.

[Kiur]

While is true I put a bit of my soul into every character I make... Kiur and I couldn't really be more different.

She has neurological damage, I don't (Would I know if I did? OHOHOHO).

She can fight, I can't.

 

We're both gay, though. So I guess there's that.

[Kurt S.]

Kat

 

Differences:

-Gender. (Well yeahh)

-Knows how to fight.

-Can cook.

-Only has one parent.

-Subject to biweekly 15min breaks.

-Waaaay more broken emotionally.

-Has actual firearms experience.

-A year older than me.

-Doesnt always have wear glasses.

-Horsebird.

-Tailor weaving skills.

-Is actually employed...sort of.

-Has actually been in a relationship (only to see that ship burn and sink so many times bwahahaha)

 

Similarities:

-Travels the world (though just se and e asia for me)

-Stupidly persistent.

-Glasses.

-Taste in food...namely drowning it in spices.

-Pet doggie dog

-Close to the family

-Tech savvy (me with electronics, her with the engineering)

-No car.

-Impatience.

-Prone to making stupid decisions.

[Sylentmana]

Similarities: 

-Both have a strong interest in ancient civilizations.

-Both love reading.

-Both are more introverted.

-Neither of us put much stock in religion.

-Both have little regard/respect for those often considered our "betters" unless they earned their wealth/position in a fair and honest way (nobility, the very wealthy).

-We hate being told what to do and will often do the opposite out of spite.

-We both have a strong interest in botany.

 

Differences:

-I don't consider myself stupid, but Q'ilora has a genius level intellect.

-I have a short temper, but Q'ilora is slow to anger and can remain calm in most situations.

-I have a short attention span, but she can remain focused for long periods.

-Q'ilora has a bit of a sadistic streak when it comes to her enemies.

-She isn't afraid of conflict though she doesn't actively seek it. I avoid it at all costs.

-She holds grudges, but I prefer to just drop the issue and avoid it and often the person.

-I'm prone to panic in dangerous situations, but she can remain calm and often seems unfazed if not amused.

[Darien Cadell]

Similarities

- emotional volatility (mercurial)

- experience with loss that's significantly affected mental state (hers is far more extreme)

- preference for solitude

- love of travel (but she actually gets to indulge and I just dream), lots of childhood traveling

- teetotaling

- minimum spirituality, but not non-existent

 

 

Differences

- Qhora refuses to have a family

- Qhora's killed people, and will probably continue to do so

- Qhora can fight

- Qhora has significant criminal history - I have zero

- Qhora's an orphan

- Qhora's into science, or at least alchemy, and it's never been my cup of tea

- Qhora likes fishing, yaaaaaawn - I like fishing in-game, but RL fishing is the worst

[Caspar]

There are some things similar and some things different. Generally I try to play a character as different from myself as possible in at least one theater. However there usually is some internal characteristic or focal point that I find innately sympathetic, or I will have trouble really grasping their character well.

 

Regarding Virara, she is as non-mental as she can force herself to be. I tend to mull over things and second-guess myself constantly; Virara never does this by conscious intent. Virara is insensitive and I've been accused of such, but I actually do generally feel pretty bad about making someone upset. The way I act on Balmung is actually super different than how I act in other places; I'm trying legitimately to be a lighter, softer me, because I've observed that people here can be very sensitive, and I don't want to bother them. Virara might honestly not care if she is indifferent to a person. She apologizes, but it is out of obligation and training, not true regret, unless it is to someone close to her. Virara values honesty, and so do I, but combined with her extreme insensitivity, she is liable to tell someone something crushing as long as it's true, which I've avoided doing before, to some degree of regret. I am naturally cynical, while Virara only plays at it; she worships a person with monomaniacal focus, and I cannot do that by my very nature because I doubt everyone. Virara is at once both more controlled emotionally and less controlled; I tend to fret over small things she would ignore, and at the same time she is not in touch with how she feels, so when she feels something intense, it is uncontrollable, whereas I have a sense of restraint she lacks.

 

I feel like my core is weaker, but more solid, in terms of self-esteem. Virara cannot look inward much or she will lose control, whereas I am self-absorbed, so I look inward constantly; nothing is going to disturb or surprise me. ^_^'

 

Big difference of course: Virara and I are both dense when it comes to signs of affection, but Virara has an excuse and I'm just stupid, lol.

[13uddy]

Generally I try to play a character as different from myself as possible in at least one theater. However there usually is some internal characteristic or focal point that I find innately sympathetic, or I will have trouble really grasping their character well.

 

I can't speak for anybody but myself (and possibly my best friend since she agrees with this), but no matter how hard I may try to make a character that is completely different from me, something still seeps in.  Even if it is something minor, like maybe they have a weakness for cute baby kittens and bunnies (which is hilarious when I'm playing a "bad" character), or maybe we just happen to have a similar like or dislike of something (anything from an object, a food, a color and so on).

[OverlordOutpost]

A fun thing I did for this was to take the personality tests http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test ; that whole IFTP INFJ stuff they made us take in grade school, and then answer it once as myself and once as my character.

 

I got INTP (Logician) for myself and Katiti scored ISTJ (Logistician).  Logic versus Logistics.

[Caspar]

Generally I try to play a character as different from myself as possible in at least one theater. However there usually is some internal characteristic or focal point that I find innately sympathetic, or I will have trouble really grasping their character well.

 

I can't speak for anybody but myself (and possibly my best friend since she agrees with this), but no matter how hard I may try to make a character that is completely different from me, something still seeps in.  Even if it is something minor, like maybe they have a weakness for cute baby kittens and bunnies (which is hilarious when I'm playing a "bad" character), or maybe we just happen to have a similar like or dislike of something (anything from an object, a food, a color and so on).

Yeah, a lot of people talk about bleed, and the attitude I take is that some degree of it is inevitable in the sense that you have to have some degree of investment in the character. Even if there is no similarity between yourself and the character, you likely are interested in their story progressing, so that in itself is a form of investment. I don't tend to agree with the idea of "characters as people" and so I try to use them as a device to talk about the kind of story I want to discuss. (Though that doesn't stop me from wasting hours thinking about every last detail.) There are themes the character is meant to focus on and draw attention to, and they must therefore be themes I find interesting at least enough to dedicate some of my brain towards. The character develops traits naturally as I try to think of a hypothetical character who could express this theme, and I think as I go, sometimes a bit of myself enters them unbidden. That does not however mean they are people I'd like to know though. Traditionally a lot of my characters tend to be pretty awful people, so it's better for me not to know them. If they actually are the heroic type, they're not the type who would get along with me in almost any case, so it's effectively the same difference.

[Kai Motokawa]

Differences between Kai and myself:

Kai will talk to people and read books. He's also always studying, learning.

 

Similarities:

We're both Gender-Fucked and had to adjust to this whole new world that we had no information or knowledge about.

 

Of course there is other differences, but these are the most noticeable ones.

[MilanaMina]

Similar with Milana [My main RP character]

 

1. We both like tea more than coffee.

2. Our idea of an ideal night is just chilling at home.

3. Talking to people is fine, just remember the bubble sustem.

4. We both like to think practically. Romantic line of thought is nice but 9/10 it's going to be the barebones facts.

 

Dissimilarities

 

1. I'm quieter than her until I get to know folks.

2. She's good at crunching numbers and all that business stuff, I'm not.

3. She's not a good drawer, I am. [i like to think I'm good.]

4. She has a relatively strong stomach and I don't.[/font]

[Blue]

Similarities:

 

* Jet'a and I are both left-handed in writing and right-handed for power-tasks.

* Blue, Yesui, Valeria, Chiara, Dylise, Aki are, like me, females.

* Chiara Foschiani and I shared (she's now retired) the same name and last name.

 

Not going to list the differences because... everything else is different. I like to stray as far away from my real self as possible.

[Leggerless]

Elise Wolfe:

 

Same:

- Assertive, pragmatic, and snarky.

- Ability to use a firearm.

- Ability to lead a group of people.

- Both enjoy seafood quite a bit.

- Willing to try new, exotic things every once in a while.

- Open to change based on evidence.

- Level headed when talking about controversial topics.

- Age. I won't have to remember another number; that's it, really.

- Having the occasional joke is necessary.

- Easy going, and serious when needed.

 

Different:

- Gender (Elise = female and Leggerless (me) = male).

- Military experience. She's a low ranking Maelstrom officer (2nd Lt.). My military knowledge is based off excerpts from Field Manuals, raid leading in video games, and google searches.

- Swordsmanship and magical ability.

- Knows more history.

- Has killed many people.

- Inclined to commit 'criminal' acts if she is completely confident she can get away with it.

- Wears glasses. Less of a fashion statement and more of a handy tool--if not necessity--when she reads.

- No crafting ability. She can understand how the product is made, but she cannot create DoH crafts herself.

- Can ride a horse/chocobo.

- She's at least 10x more fearless than I am. Smiling at Death fearless, in extreme cases.

- Romantically dense. It's a foreign concept to Elise.

- Low tolerance for alcohol with Elise.

 

I'm sure there's more differences; the ones listed are what first came to mind.

[Arrelaine]

I think there are a few similarities between my characters and I, but they're more spread out between them all. Bits here and there!

 

Arrelaine:

-Loves to sing and dance (though arguably she does it better than I)

-Has a flirtatious manner, whether or not she means to.

-Gets irritated easily, but rarely actually angry.

-Loves to poke fun at people, very witty and catty.

 

Akayuri:

-Is a redhead! (Though I'm more the coppery type, full sun I look like a bunch of wires!)

-Can be fairly naive at times.

-Short as hell.

 

I might think of more, but that's all I can really think of.

[Eckerd]

Similarities:

1. Both of us smoke. A lot. 

2. We're both more or less of the same height, with him beating me to the punch by an inch.

3. Our sense of humor is pretty damn terrible. You'll see!

4. Similar tastes in cuisine and beverages. For the most part.

5. Tattoos, although my collection lacks -heart- ! Get it? 'Cause he's got a heart tattooed on his face. 

6. Having some level of social anxiety, with his being arguably less severe.

7. Trees and forests are nice!

8. He likes to read - I like to read. 

 

Differences:

1. That being said, I wouldn't touch the stuff -he- reads with a ten foot pole. Unless it comes with a flamethrower.

2. Eckerd being a (soulless) ginger and yours truly having brown hair. I'm actually kinda jealous. Kinda.

3. I dwell and stress on things waaay too much in comparison. 

4. I'm rather fond of a dull, normal life with 100% less deadly creatures prowling around!

5. Only Eckerd can handle and wield a variety of lances. Heh.

6. My physique's definitely seen better days.

7. I'm scared to death of heights, unlike that suicidal buffoon.

8. The obvious fact that only one of us has actually killed someone. Hint: it's not me.

9. I don't need to be turned into SHODAN to become sentient.

[Ryanti]

Similarities:

 

- We both don't prefer dealing with animals.

- We both don't prefer dealing with little kids (don't I seem so friendly? ).

- We both are very prideful in what we do.

- We both get embarrassed easily.

- We both really enjoy history.

- We both possess above-average curiosity about stuff.

- We both prefer our living areas very organized (we're hygiene freaks!).

 

Differences:

 

- Ryanti is insecure about his heritage. I love mine. 8-)

- Ryanti tends to drink very little. I'm a beer and vodka guy. 8-)

- Ryanti can sketch and sing on a medium skill range. I'm absolutely horrid at both of those.

- Ryanti loves elaborate fashion. I'm fine with a funny t-shirt and cargo shorts.

- Ryanti doesn't swear much. I swear like a sailor.

- Ryanti sucks at being rowdy. I'm your man when it comes to that.

- Ryanti is much more of a spender while I am more of a saver.

- Ryanti is a lot more of a risk-taker than I am.

[D'aito Kuji]

tl;dr - We both look asian, love the sun, and are bi & poly.  But she is not shy, is more confident, but quick to anger, and is more "modest" than me.

 

 

Similarities:

 

We are both female.  We share similarly shaped eyes.  We are both short.  We both have naturally darker skin. We both have black hair.  We both think we're smarter and more capable than we actually are.  We both love reading.  We both worship the sun.  We are both bi and poly.

 

Differences:

 

I have a number of obnoxious phobias, a speech problem, and great difficulty with social situations (in most circumstances).  D'aito has none of this.  It would make her role as an adventurer nearly impossible if she did.  D'aito shares only my fear of spiders with me.  I am a vegetarian (98% of the time) while D'aito not only eats meat, she kills, cleans, and cooks her own meat.  I can't imagine killing an animal.

 

We are both quick to anger but D'aito is far more likely to become violent.  D'aito is very sure of herself and overconfident and this leads to her getting in trouble.  She dislikes rules and left her tribe over traditions she could respect but didn't want anything to do with.

 

D'aito comes from a culture where being covered form head to toe was a requirement, lest one invite the attention and possible wrath of Azeyma.  I come from a culture where clothes are optional.  I'm afraid of horses while D'aito is practically best friends with Homura, her chocobo.