Monday Musings: What’s Your Character Design?
The “very demure, very cutesy, very mindful” viral video swept the Internet a week ago and now it has become a battlecry or a diss, depending on who you ask. Words are powerful; how we tell stories about ourselves ultimately contribute directly to our actions. It has something to do with the way we weave meaning and contextualize our situation, I think. And that’s why it’s important to think about what our character design is.
In the context of RPGs (Role-Playing Games), "character design" refers to the process of creating and developing a character's appearance, personality, backstory, and abilities within the game. This design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about crafting a persona that players can embody and interact with within the game's world. Everything from the character's strengths, weaknesses, and even their moral compass is part of this design, which shapes how they navigate challenges and interact with other characters.
Illustration by Danish artist Kay Nielsen (public domain)
Now, if we think about this concept in the context of our own lives, character design becomes a metaphor for how we present ourselves to the world. It’s about the traits we choose to emphasize, the values we hold dear, and the way we decide to approach life’s many "quests." Just like in a game, we have control over the narrative we build around ourselves.
But here’s where it gets tricky: while it’s essential to be intentional about our character design, it’s equally important to leave room for growth and change. We don’t want to box ourselves into a rigid identity that stifles our curiosity or limits our potential. In an RPG, a character might start off with a specific skill set or worldview, but as the game progresses, they often learn new abilities, meet different characters, and face challenges that force them to evolve. This dynamic growth is what makes the game—and life—exciting.
Illustration by Danish artist Kay Nielsen (public domain)
Being intentional with our character design means actively deciding what kind of person we want to be. It’s about aligning our actions with our values and making choices that reflect who we aspire to become. At the same time, it’s equally important to stay open-minded, to explore new ideas, and to embrace opportunities that challenge our existing beliefs. This openness allows us to refine our character design over time, making us more resilient and enriched by different experiences.
So, what’s your character design? Write it down and let me know! (Even if just in a message.)
