Editing Newsletter/Spring 2007 (section)

=== Q6 ===
'''''Do you think it is easier to play a tough bad ass character or a sensitive emotional character?'''''

I can do both, but I must confess it's fun to play a real nasty baddass sometimes as it's so unlike the real me. [[User:dolphin20pl1|Alan Reading]]

I think the hardest characters to play are those who have emotional or psychological issues that they are trying to overcome. I find that sensitive and emotional characters can sometimes be irritating and the desire to slap them a scream, "Get over it," often takes away from a storyline. I think some of the best characters are the ones that you just love to hate! -[[Federation Starships|Ken]]

I think that sensitive or emotional characters are more fun to play since they often end up being surprisingly resilient and stronger than expected. When the time comes to fight, since they have already been working through thier own issues, then coping with a combat gets just that much more interesting. -[[herbalsheila]]

I think in general it's easier to play a tough bad ass character, and they are a lot of fun to play. The danger with them is that they can often seem one-dimensional. That is a problem even if the character is only there as a villain for one mission, and even more so if it's a PC. It's a lot harder to play a sensitive emotional character well, ie in a way that people will be sympathetic with; all too often they end up coming across as whinging and self-absorbed. So kudos to anyone who can play such a character without making the rest of the crew want to shove him or her out of the nearest airlock! That said, I think the best characters are probably somewhere in between the two extremes, but then again that wasn't the question ;) -[[User:Rivers|Liz Geuken]]

I think the only characters worth playing are those with a decent emotional IQ. That doesn’t mean they can’t be badass at need, it just means they aren’t apes. The “tough badasses” are notoriously one-dimensional, and often appear to be trying to cover up some kind of insecurity. The sensitive types are capable of real strength, and of knowing how to correctly apply it. If we routinely mistake brittleness, brutality, and/or big-mouthed bluff for strength, we might end up with pretty boring characters in the long run. I admire anyone who can play an arrogant “badass” for any length of time without the other characters seeing through their façade and pushing them out an airlock. -[[GrannyGM]]