1. Come up with an interesting theme you absolutely love, and specialize. The GM will help you round out your character as you play. But don’t sacrifice stats. The GM will use this against you, later.
2. Resist the urge to play a fantasy version of yourself unless you are, yourself, a very interesting and charismatic person. Nothing says predictable and boring like the guy who always plays the same evil mage.
3. When you realize Charisma is not a dump stat, nothing can stop you.
4. If you have an alignment, then hash out a moral framework for your character. The personal conflict that arises will be both entertaining and memorable. Exploit the alignment crossover that exists in D20 between Good and Evil; Lawful and Chaos.
5. If you have a god, then call on him. Most gamers are agnostics so the existence of gods makes for interesting play. Clerics are a hilarious class if you take the time to read the player’s handbook section about religion. See my example in #7.
6. Write an in-depth background story or make art.
7. Come up with an amazing name. Most people name their creation after it’s done, but I sometimes come up with the name first, and form the character around it. Example: Rick Rockwell. With a name like that, I knew he had to be badass, so I made him a Psionicist lawyer and Priest of Amaunator. He requires paperwork before any healing attempts.
8. When in doubt, be funny or tragic. Design your character to leave a mark, one way or another.
9. During game, become your character. Act appropriately and your enjoyment of the game will increase dramatically.
10. Find out what type of game you will be playing in. Don’t play a social character in an action-packed game.
11. Talk to the GM.
12. Bring beer and snacks.
13. Get to know everyone at game.

In future posts, I will detail some of my favorite characters.