Character development -- how early should I start?

[Aurek]

The past few days I've been brainstorming my character for the next timeline, while I've got a rough draft and general idea for what I want so far, I am unsure on a few things. This is what I do know about who my character will be:

- Human male
- Non force-sensitive
- Border Alliance affiliated resistance fighter
- Infantry focused
- Born in the outerrim during a time of peace in the old republic, but then orphaned and forced off his homeworld due to the rising Sith threat

What I don't know, however, is where I want him to start off; what age should I begin developing him at? Here are what I consider to be my best two options:

- 28 years of age, in which case he served as a militia fighter for his homeworld during the Sith attack and watched as his wife and sons were slaughtered

OR

- 16 years of age. in which case he was still in school but aspiring to join up with the local militia in light of the recent news of Sith attacks on neighbouring planets. Ultimately losing his parents, his home and his community when this happens.

Clearly, the latter leaves more room for development and build up while the first is straight to the point, both offer it's advantages and disadvantages.

What do you personally think is a better way to start off?

 

[Pernicious]

Well, starting from 16 would allow a battle to take place on your characters homeworld in an RP I'm assuming. That would allow other people's characters to have a more up-close relationship with yours, even if it is one of hatred. Plus it might make his story a bit more personal.

 

[Mr.BossMan]

@Archer

16 to me is a little young, that beings aid who cares right? Lol.

I plan on making my guy 18-19ish, so we could relate in that aspect. But now thinking about it I may just settle for early to mid twenties.

Well anyways enough enough about me.

I like option two better. Make him young, he'll get a lot of shit from the older guys. "Your to young for war boy" "awe he's so cute" "save yourself kid, you still have a life to live" "have you even been laid yet?" "go back to mommy you little girl"

Catchin my drift?

Also you can't start him off as some badass, you'll have to roleplay that out. Which is still cool.

 

[The Captain]

I wonder how the trauma of watching his homeworld engulfed on war will affect him.

 

[Aurek]

Thanks all for the advice.

I've decided that I'm gonna start him young, around 16-18 and then gradually have him evolve from a student with a stable life and noble aspirations into a hardened soldier as his story and the timeline progresses.

 

[The Captain]

I like him already. It's going to be great watching him evolve.