Static Vs. Dynamic Characters

Before we begin, let me emphasize how important it is to make sure your main characters are dynamic. If we look at a list of hugely popular characters, we'll see . . . oh no. No, this can't be happening! Aaaaaaagh!

On Height

When Apollodorus (Pseudo-Apollodorus if you want to be mean) declared Heracles to have been four cubits tall, he presumably did not intend to make that legendary figure a target of ridicule. Yesterday's giant is today's manlet it seems. For that reason, be sure to describe your hero in this way: "He was tall and handsome by the standards of your time and place." There, insulated. If you don't want your hero to be tall, yes you do.

Bringing the History Back Into Fantasy

Keep in mind that in many societies, censor was an official position, and who better to hold it than your main character? The same goes for Master of Revels and tax farmer. Think of the adventures to be had from there. Running the mint though . . . won't the readers get tired if every plot is about counterfeiting or milling? How about going to look over mines with a view toward establishing a new metal source and then ghosts?

Changing Course

Tired of your main character? Don't want to write about him anymore? Simply start the next book by having him hear about the adventures of a different, far more interesting character. You'll fool everybody.

Neo-Ludditism

There's going to be a lot of resistance to a function that examines the reader's data in changes descriptions of the main character to match it, but we just have to get used to it.

A Grave Oversight

The job we keep featuring: Assassin
The job we keep forgetting: Master of Revels

Addendum

Who then is the main character? Brian de Bois-Guilbert, probably. I know. I'm as surprised as you are.

Ranking of Weapons Appropriate for Your Fantasy Main Character

1. Sword
2. Bow
3. Comically Large Hammer
4. Dagger
5. Polearm
6. Ax
7. Razor-Sharp Hoop
8. Normally Sized Hammer
9. Whip
10. Spear

Secret twist ending: Now roll for which one your character gets.

November

Who needs it? November has no character of its own. It just sits there between October and December, much like your main character stands between the villain and the status quo. Zing!

Addendum

You can use "unprepossessing" too, but your main character had better be a priest who solves crimes or something of that sort.

Q&A Corner

Q. Why don't more main characters have wings?
A. Cowardice.
Q. How about gills?
A. Waterworld.
Q. And antennae?
A. Antennae are failed horns.

Addendum

While you're at it, give all the secondary charactes their own kingdoms. That gives you the backstory for your next story.

Proper Endings for Fantasy Main Characters

If the main character doesn't become king, there should probably be an appendix explaining he becomes king of some other place later. Even the first Dragon Quest understood this much.

New Protagonist Idea

What about a guy who's up on his luck? This will revolutionize literature!

Q&A Corner

Q. Should the main character's butler go on adventures with the main character or not?
A. Both are acceptable.
Q. Might we replace the butler with a head maid?
A. Certainly.
Q. My, there's certainly a great deal of flexibility in this concept.
A. Go forth and take advantage!

Maintaining a Household

How often does the main character in fantasy or science fiction have a household? Servants, dependants, an estate, repairmen, the whole thing. Ownercore is the next thing.

Trends Will Never Leave Us

Out: Special abilities conferred voluntarily.
In: Main character has a butler.

Protagonist Power Level

Many people will tell you your protagonist needs to slapped around for 80% of the story, if not 100%. Those people don't want you to succeed. One to three times is sufficient. Just look at James Bond. Or Cobra. Or Indiana Jones. Or any kung fu hero who has to train after getting beat up.

The Ideal Adventuring Party

A main character nobody likes
More experienced guy who doesn't seem to do any better overall
A woodsman with a secret
Girl

Stick to that and nobody will fail to be impressed.