Developing character backgrounds

[Painfully]

An in-character questionnaire is okay, but it doesnt put the pieces together as well as a few paragraphs can.

I also feel there is such a thing as too much information when it comes to trying to develop character backgrounds. Why not leave some room to play with it and fill-in-the-blanks as you go along?

The names of a few relatives and friends, and a brief story that gets them from childhood to where they are now (level 1 characters) is enough for me. If the players can put in a potential plot hook or two, that's just a bonus.

It's the people that spend time writing up an entire chapter long history for their characters that worry me. Maybe they have too much time on their hands, or are the type to be overly attached to their characters.

 

[Elf Witch]

An in-character questionnaire is okay, but it doesnt put the pieces together as well as a few paragraphs can.

I also feel there is such a thing as too much information when it comes to trying to develop character backgrounds. Why not leave some room to play with it and fill-in-the-blanks as you go along?

The names of a few relatives and friends, and a brief story that gets them from childhood to where they are now (level 1 characters) is enough for me. If the players can put in a potential plot hook or two, that's just a bonus.

It's the people that spend time writing up an entire chapter long history for their characters that worry me. Maybe they have too much time on their hands, or are the type to be overly attached to their characters.

I think both methods can work the more blank slate in a game I played in I did very little background because I didn't expect the game to last so all I did was make her an elven sorcerer whose twin sister was a warrior and also in the party. To date this became my favorite character I player her for two years and she really developed in ways that I don't know she would have with a more developed background. I also think since it was a homebrew game and the characters were going to a place they had noway of knowing about so they were seeing everything for the first time made a diiference too.

I did a lot more background for the character I play in Kalamar I think it easier with access to the world's background. I am bringing in a new character soon a tenth level character so I am giving her even more background to explain why she is this experienced.

I do have a little issue with your statement about writing up an entire history I think you are being a tad judgemental. To some people developing the role playing aspect of their character is as enjoyable as planning feat chains. It does not mean that they have to much time on their hands it means that they enjoy this aspect of the game. And sure it tends to make you more attached to the character so what? I tend to think players who are attached to their characters invest a little more into the game. And sure it can be disappointing if the character dies and you can't get it raised but you move on and make a new character.

I am very aware that their are players out there who form a very unhealthy attachment to their characters one of my roommates does this which is why I won't play with her and yes she creates a detailed background like I sometimes do but it would be a huge mistake to paint us with the same brush.