Character Creation Continued…
More Than Just Stats – It’s a Mirror of the Mind
I know we have already spent some time discussing this topic, but there is more to be said since this is often considered the most important step in using TRPGs in a therapy or educational setting.
Here are a few more things you should know about character creation.
1. We Write What We Know
It’s no surprise that most people—especially new players—end up creating characters that feel familiar. Maybe they’re not an exact replica of the player, but they tend to carry pieces of the real person behind the sheet. A fear of failure. A need to belong. A sense of humor. A craving for justice. All these tiny truths slip into our characters, often without us even realizing it.
As facilitators, we can gently recognize and honor these reflections. It’s not about dissecting someone’s character for hidden truths—but about giving space for genuine expression and helping players feel seen through the stories they help create.
Tip: Try asking, “What part of you do you think this character shares?” or “Is there something this character gets to do or be that feels really freeing for you?”
2. We Are What We Marinate In
Let’s be honest: most of us are walking collections of the media we consume. Anime fans, Superhero buffs, and Dungeon-crawling Veterans all come to the table with a wealth of varied interests and tropes. None of that is bad—these tropes are fun, and they give us a comfortable place to start.
However, character creation also offers a chance to build a better beanstalk, so to speak. Ask your players what kind of stories they’ve never told before. What parts of themselves haven’t been given a voice? What if they tried being the comic relief instead of the broody loner for once? What would encourage a character to want to adventure other than a tragic history?
Tip: Encourage players to “try on” new identities the way someone might try on clothes. “What would it be like to play someone totally unlike you—or totally like you, but bolder?”
3. Flaws, Bonds, and Backstory: The Therapy Goldmine
In groups focused on therapy or social-emotional growth, character creation becomes an intentional opportunity to build skills and explore values. The parts of the character sheet labeled flaws, ideals, goals, and bonds are more than just flavor—they’re doorways to deeper conversations.
Using principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you can help players explore:
Cognitive Defusion: What are the thoughts their character believes that may not be true?
Expansion and Acceptance: What feelings does their character struggle to accept or sit with?
The Observing Self: How does their character make sense of their own behavior?
Values Clarification: What matters most to this character, and how does that mirror the player’s own values?
Committed Action: What goals does the character work toward, even when it’s hard?
Tip: Ask during creation, “What’s something this character wants to get better at?” or “What mistake does this character keep repeating—and why?”
4. Support the Arc – and Let It Show
Once the game begins, the real magic is helping players stick with it. Encourage them to fully commit to their character’s choices, voice, and internal logic. Even better, support them in creating a character arc—a visible evolution over time.
Say things like:
“What’s something you hope changes in your character by the end of this adventure?”
“I love how you’ve been leaning into your character’s flaw—what would growth look like?”
“Would you like me to offer moments in the story to reflect how your character is changing?”
Check in between sessions. Ask how the player is feeling about their character. Get feedback on how you, as the GM, can support their arc.
Tip: Offer mid-campaign group reflection sessions (even just 5 minutes!) to talk about progress, challenges, or emotional beats the player would like to explore next.
Final Thoughts: Characters Are Practice Grounds for Life
When we roleplay, we’re not just telling stories—we’re rehearsing reality. We get to practice bravery, explore identity, face fears, and dream big—all within the safety of “pretending.” And the first step in that journey? Character creation.
So take your time. Ask the good questions. Offer support and space. Because in that sheet of stats and scribbles, someone’s next chapter is already waiting to be written.