Kanon Kharacter Kommentary

[Member Formerly Known As Axel]

We, here at the KKK, are here to make discussion on the subject matter of canon characters.

Now, I have been the witness of numerous denials for canon auditions and is seems to be the same thing over and over. People are trying out for characters that don't fit the player. I've seen people try out for characters simply because the character is popular, or needed for a special event. To efficiently play a canon, a few things would help: either a) general/extensive knowledge of psychology or b) possess similar traits as the character you want to play. A perfect example of this would be Akito[Marluxia], Larxy[Larxene], and myself[Axel]. This is my own personal observation but us three resemble our characters in attitude and behavior. That's what allows us to play our characters so well. There's an actual connection between us and the characters. The reason being is that playing comes more naturally to us. Bilby/Leon is another good example of this, as was Shinn/Xemnas. I just think that people shouldn't try out for characters 'just because'. It seems like a waste of time and effort.

That's all I have for now.

[angelous]

I have the ability to lock this you know, and I'm not sure I like the use of *points at capital letters used in title*. Especially not when you use them in the abbreviation that you did. I'm not locking it, but please, avoid things like that, it could cause some serious problems.

[Member Formerly Known As Axel]

Huh? What's wrong with the abbreviation? It was partially inspired by Mortal Kombat and the Kool Kids Klub

[Rocket!]

You keep telling yourself that. xD

I think it's a good idea to try. As you say, there's people who can address multiple psychological standpoints without mishaps.

I mean, look at me. I've got Stitch and Vexen. How funky a mix is that?

Yeah, people're gonna mess up. Been known to happen.

But canon auditions are a great way to keep pushing and trying for a better understanding of that kinda thing.

Getting better at writing.

I dunno about you, but I'm on FM because I'm working up my writing skills. Writing is the kinda thing I wanna do with my life.

If you audition for a canon, and get rejected, you also get critiqued.

What you did right, what you did wrong, what they (the people who do this for a living) think you should do.

You take what they said, decide for yourself how to adjust (or to not to, as the case may be), and try try again.

All a lesson learned.

You're right that canon auditions shouldn't be all willy-nilly. Don't gun for Sora because he's Sora, Mr. Big Hot Shot Protagonist.

Gun for 'im because he's a challenge.

And that's my two cents.

[/spark cookie]

[nascent]

And now it's time for Nascent's Five Rules of Auditions, also known as 'So You Want To Play That Character, Do You?'

Rule #1
DO YOUR RESEARCH

You can bet your bumpkus that I went back and re-watched Disney's Hercules before auditioning for Hades. Auditioning for a canon that you don't know very well / haven't been exposed to in a while is just ASKING for a failing grade on the audition.

Rule #2
HAVE AN OPINION

It's just not enough to reiterate what you know about a character from their original story. A writer must be flexible, informed, and above all else OPINIONATED! If you have no real opinion about a character, that apathy will bleed through into your audition, guaranteed. If the character's a villain, form an opinion as to why. What's their motivation? How'd they get started down this path? Same goes for heroes, though the ones with better-known histories may require a touch of psychoanalysis. Does the character have any unexplained aspects or "gray zones"? Form an opinion, along with a reasoning.

For instance, it's my firm opinion of Hades that he sees himself as both living in his brother Zeus's shadow and that he thinks he deserves more credit for helping defeat the Titans in that first war. Likewise, it's my opinion of Magus that, while he's given up all hope of seeing light within himself, he's willing to embrace darkness if it means protecting the light within his sister Schala and/or championing the kinds of causes she would want protected.

You must go BEYOND what is known and into the realm of the speculative and abstract. Form as many well-considered opinions about a character as you can, then let them inform and "flavor" your writing.

Rule #3
OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT ZONE

Ask yourself this: how would the character react if they suddenly, inexplicably found themselves in a place that runs contrary to their nature? For Hades, this could be Atlantica or the Pride Lands (Hades as a buzzard, now that's an image!). Less remarkably, imagine the character spending a full day in a place that they normally wouldn't go and how they'd react. Magus on the beach or at a theme park strikes me as a poignant example.

Also ask yourself this: if I made it my mission to REALLY push this character's buttons, what would I do? What gets under their skin the most? What would they react to, and what would they ignore? Try to avoid over-the-top dramatic stuff like "kill the person who's most important to them"; set your sights on more mundane and non story provoking ticks.

Rule #4
THE CHARACTER'S VOICE

This can be a BIG ONE. If you want to audition for a character, familiarize yourself with their voice. Listen to every line of dialogue they have, and for those with little or none be sure to read any written dialogue VERY CAREFULLY. Do your best to imagine the character having a conversation with one of your non-canon characters. If the "voice" in your head feels forced or you just can't "hear" the character's personality, go back to Rule #1 and work your way back. No, seriously. I mean it!

Rule #5
TAKE YOUR TIME

Do not rush your audition, no matter what. Unless inspiration strikes you like a bolt of lightning, don't try to hammer out the audition post in fifteen minutes or less. Come up with one or more ideas, and write them down somewhere. Now take 30 minutes to 2 hours and do something completely unrelated to writing or RP! This sounds strange, but it works! Professionals know this as the "fermenting" stage of writing -- the ideas have to brew like fresh coffee and then age like a fine wine. When you find yourself thinking back to the ideas and coming up with ways to improve them, begin moving into the writing phase! Strike while the iron is hot, and your audition will steam and sizzle with creativity and style!
(results not guaranteed)


Best of luck, canon auditioneers!

[Night Sky]

You know that should be put in the rules for canons, it sure would help new people like me who might want to go and audition for a canon.

[High's .Valentine.]

You know, you can make a guide in the Rules and info section. We have a board for that. I'd be happy to move this this over there if you want. Though...I dunno about the reference to the KKK acronym. ._.

[Akito]

It's a matter of ability, plain and simple. I can't really say close personality traits are necessary as long as you're a capable writer who knows his subject. If I wanted to, I fancy I could do Donald Duck or Ariel without much trouble.

That said, anyone can achieve this level of ability through practice, critique and taking the critique to heart and implementing it. I didn't start out good at Marluxia. I watched the Youtube videos, played the game and even read some fanfics; then I started to get the picture.

I know what you're trying to get at. People tend to make RP characters similar to themselves, so it follows its easier to get canons similar to yourself, yeah? Fair enough. But I don't want to discourage trying things outside your niche, I don't want people thinking 'This is who I am and this is all I can ever do'. Some people have a higher affinity for canons, that's not in doubt; but to say that they're the only ones who can do well with the canon and should ever bother may be too presumptuous, my friend.

People learn, people improve and people adapt. Nothing is set in stone. A poor performer today may be yours and my better tomorrow. That's why we need to constantly keep improving as well, we're not 'perfect' for these characters; maybe not even close. I feel my Marluxia is lacking extrovert passion and is too cold and non expressive for his fake personality.

You have a point though. Not so much here, but I have seen places with half assed canon auditions and its really too bad. People really do need a decent reason to try for a canon and I hate seeing the advice given for canon auditions go to waste and forgotten; some people put quite a lot of effort into reading over auditions and critiquing them.