D&D General Campaign character focus tracking

[robus]

The next campaign I run I want to do a better job of weaving together character arcs with the greater campaign arc. Part of that, I think, is being able to visualize the threads in some way other than walis of text and the idea of some kind of line graph plot came to mind with perhaps call outs to particular events. Or perhaps simply some colored pens to indicate which session focused on which characters?

Perhaps I’m overthinking it? Has anyone done anything like this?

 

[iserith]

Have you considered not worrying about managing "character arcs" at all? If the players are interested in particular things, they can go do those things and all you have to do is present the setting and narrate the results of their actions.

 

[prabe]

On the one hand, it might be worth keeping track of what the characters want, from their backstories, and occasionally presenting them with things leading to those goals. On the other hand, I've found that at some point the characters' actions and decisions will have stirred up other goals, and they might prefer to pursue those. On the gripping hand, I haven't bothered in the two campaigns I'm DMing now with "greater campaign arcs."

 

[aco175]

I find it hard to get the players to want to do things to develop their character. There seems to always be something with the main adventure where they feel they need to keep pushing forward. I also tend to make some things where I think they are planning to go and I think they feel like they need to go with what was planned.

 

[Quickleaf]

The next campaign I run I want to do a better job of weaving together character arcs with the greater campaign arc. Part of that, I think, is being able to visualize the threads in some way other than walis of text and the idea of some kind of line graph plot came to mind with perhaps call outs to particular events. Or perhaps simply some colored pens to indicate which session focused on which characters?

Perhaps I’m overthinking it? Has anyone done anything like this?

Maybe a little overthinking, but if so I'm also guilty of that. I also run character-driven games, both in the heart of the game improvising around the tables and in preparation working with players (and on my own) to weave their personal PC arcs into the campaign's overarching story.

Here's a PDF of my one-page session prep notes from last session. I put the PCs' names in bold red, which helps me remember stuff pertinent to their characters. Generally, I try to include elements from every PC's story about every other session; that's obviously not always possible, but that's roughly what it usually averages out to.

Another tool I use is mind mapping, though this is less regular for me. I use it when dealing with session zero character relationships, particularly complex story beats, or when I'm struggling to put my ideas to page and just need a space to brainstorm. Here's an example of what that looks like:

 

[robus]

Have you considered not worrying about managing "character arcs" at all? If the players are interested in particular things, they can go do those things and all you have to do is present the setting and narrate the results of their actions.

It's not about "managing" but more memory jogging and thinking about how a player that hasn't had focus on their character can be offered hooks (or progress) toward their personal goals.

A complaint from one of my players at the end of the last (shorter) campaign: we didn't really do much with our personal stories. I felt bad about that and would like to attempt to foreground that more the next time I run a campaign.

It would also add a nice variety to mix into the overall campaign.

 

[robus]

On the one hand, it might be worth keeping track of what the characters want, from their backstories, and occasionally presenting them with things leading to those goals. On the other hand, I've found that at some point the characters' actions and decisions will have stirred up other goals, and they might prefer to pursue those. On the gripping hand, I haven't bothered in the two campaigns I'm DMing now with "greater campaign arcs."

Yep it might be a hopeless endeavor but I'd like to at least start off the campaign with the best intentions.

 

[iserith]

A complaint from one of my players at the end of the last (shorter) campaign: we didn't really do much with our personal stories. I felt bad about that and would like to attempt to foreground that more the next time I run a campaign.

But what did the PLAYER do to pursue and prioritize his or her "personal stories?"

Were you running an event-based game in the form of a storyline that didn't have any deviation from the plot?

 

[Haldrik]

The next campaign I run I want to do a better job of weaving together character arcs with the greater campaign arc. Part of that, I think, is being able to visualize the threads in some way other than walis of text and the idea of some kind of line graph plot came to mind with perhaps call outs to particular events. Or perhaps simply some colored pens to indicate which session focused on which characters?

Perhaps I’m overthinking it? Has anyone done anything like this?

In addition to ideal, flaw, and quirk, I ask for an "ambition" (some longterm goal) and an "endeavor" (some shorterm goal). The endeavor tends to change from level to level, such as to acquire a specific magic item. Meanwhile the ambition, such as to start a family or found an institution, tends to involve several levels and form a story arc.

 

[robus]

I find it hard to get the players to want to do things to develop their character. There seems to always be something with the main adventure where they feel they need to keep pushing forward. I also tend to make some things where I think they are planning to go and I think they feel like they need to go with what was planned.

I also felt like the main adventure took the spotlight and that's what I'm trying to avoid in future by ensuring I keep better track of things.