Since I got a lot of good responses from the last discussion I posted "Writing the Ideal...Magic-User" I decided I'll keep posting these for now. It's good to get insight into what others here think about different character types often used in fantasy. I think this is a helpful exercise/discussion for me anyway.
When dealing with a "rogue" character, I imagine someone he doesn't use brute force, but uses cunning and stealth to deal with various situations. They can be thieves, assassins, cat burglars, lockpicks, or any other type of character that requires quickness, perception, and agility over strength.
My ideal rogue:
1. I like rogue characters that aren't necessarily skulking, mysterious types, but more charmers and sneaks. I'm actually quite fond of any kind of character that goes on adventurers to tombs, catacombs, and ruins to find wealth and glory. If I were to write about rogues, I like them to be clever, but not too clever. A rogue with faults can make an interesting character for me.
2. For me, and many others I'm sure, Bilbo Baggins is the ideal rogue. He's not very strong, but he makes up for it in his ability to infiltrate, sneak, and outwit opponents. He's a class underdog as well and the prototypical "unexpected hero." I always loved Locke from Final Fantasy VI as well. He was a thief (TREASURE HUNTER!) with a heart of gold and an excellent character overall. Arya from ASOIAF is also one of my favorite character ever. Her evolution is remarkable to watch.
3. I think I have several stories with rogue-like characters as the protagonists. They can carry stories well because they're not only relying on magic or their sword to solve all their problems. They're thinking characters that have to figure out the best way out of any situation.
So what are your thoughts?
1. How would you write your ideal rogue character?
2. What writer/writers do you think have done the rogue character well?
3. Would you make a rogue character a main character in your story/novel? Why or why not?
When dealing with a "rogue" character, I imagine someone he doesn't use brute force, but uses cunning and stealth to deal with various situations. They can be thieves, assassins, cat burglars, lockpicks, or any other type of character that requires quickness, perception, and agility over strength.
My ideal rogue:
1. I like rogue characters that aren't necessarily skulking, mysterious types, but more charmers and sneaks. I'm actually quite fond of any kind of character that goes on adventurers to tombs, catacombs, and ruins to find wealth and glory. If I were to write about rogues, I like them to be clever, but not too clever. A rogue with faults can make an interesting character for me.
2. For me, and many others I'm sure, Bilbo Baggins is the ideal rogue. He's not very strong, but he makes up for it in his ability to infiltrate, sneak, and outwit opponents. He's a class underdog as well and the prototypical "unexpected hero." I always loved Locke from Final Fantasy VI as well. He was a thief (TREASURE HUNTER!) with a heart of gold and an excellent character overall. Arya from ASOIAF is also one of my favorite character ever. Her evolution is remarkable to watch.
3. I think I have several stories with rogue-like characters as the protagonists. They can carry stories well because they're not only relying on magic or their sword to solve all their problems. They're thinking characters that have to figure out the best way out of any situation.
So what are your thoughts?
1. How would you write your ideal rogue character?
2. What writer/writers do you think have done the rogue character well?
3. Would you make a rogue character a main character in your story/novel? Why or why not?