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Message: <blockquote data-quote="maddman75" data-source="post: 2071831" data-attributes="member: 2673">For me, the most important thing about a character is their 'hook'.  This is whatever it is that makes them interesting and fun to roleplay.  It could be a character that is a battle-scarred warrior who seeks glory and honor in combat.  Then something like half-orc barbarian comes naturally.  Or a mother-hen figure, looking after the PCs.  This could be a cleric of a nature-goddess.  The class, race, skills, feats all derive from this principle - how can I make this character's hook happen?Background then becomes less important.  I actually prefer only a brief outline, that way I can fill in details later on.  Maybe this could be codified somehow for all your players?  Give them a typical 'background questionaire', but they don't have to fill it all in at once.  Have them enter one thing in as they continue to play.  This way the background and the way the PC acts in play will be much more likely to match up.Background serves two purposes IMO.  First, they provide the player with RP guide, as discussed above.  But also they give the DM plot hooks to motivate the PCs.  For me, its not enough to have the group go on some mission.  I want them to *care* about the mission!  I want them to be angry at the villian, to be nervous when he's about to strike, and joyous when he's finally defeated.  That is the payoff.</blockquote>