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Making a good Neutral Evil character

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draconiansuperior The Draconic Superior from Home, doing stuff Since: May, 2011
The Draconic Superior
#1: Aug 6th 2011 at 3:17:13 PM

Okay, that was the biggest contradiction ever said, either way, I'm trying to help develop the personality of a non-human protagonist who genuinely cares for his teammates, despite being Neutral Evil.

The protagonist in question is an alien dinosaur, called a Reptilian (I know it sounds dumb, I had to think of something quick), named Python, as his species names themselves after Earth reptiles.

The biggest problem I have is mainly the fact of him being Neutral Evil, I need him to be that, but still caring for his teammates and allies. If anyone who happens to be smarter then myself can help (derp), please do.

edited 6th Aug '11 3:17:29 PM by draconiansuperior

cityofmist turning and turning from Meanwhile City Since: Dec, 2010
turning and turning
#2: Aug 6th 2011 at 4:39:24 PM

Why, exactly, do you need him to be Neutral Evil? You don't get good characters by tailoring them to specific tropes.

Scepticism and doubt lead to study and investigation, and investigation is the beginning of wisdom. - Clarence Darrow
draconiansuperior The Draconic Superior from Home, doing stuff Since: May, 2011
The Draconic Superior
#3: Aug 6th 2011 at 4:49:43 PM

[up] I need him to be Neutral Evil Because he has a very specific goal in mind, that he intends to do anything to achieve it, but I still need him to be caring for his allies, and I am not tailoring him to any specific tropes, Just Lizard Folk and Neutral Evil

jewelleddragon Also known as Katz from Pasadena, CA Since: Apr, 2009
Also known as Katz
#4: Aug 6th 2011 at 4:54:24 PM

You're overthinking this. Make him care for his teammates and pursue his goal; there's nothing even vaguely incompatible about that.

Are you concerned that he won't seem villainous enough, or what?

draconiansuperior The Draconic Superior from Home, doing stuff Since: May, 2011
The Draconic Superior
#5: Aug 6th 2011 at 4:59:30 PM

[up] I'm concerned that he'd have too much trouble trying to balance taking primary focus on his own goal and caring for his teammates, and you're right I maybe over thinking this.

Madrugada Zzzzzzzzzz Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: In season
Zzzzzzzzzz
#6: Aug 6th 2011 at 7:52:14 PM

Why do you have to assign a D&D-based, arbitrary alignment to him at all? Unless you're writing this for one of the game systems that uses the nine-square D&D matrix, you don't have to give him an "alignment" at all. Give him a personality, it'll work better.

edited 6th Aug '11 7:52:42 PM by Madrugada

...if you don’t love you’re dead, and if you do, they’ll kill you for it.
draconiansuperior The Draconic Superior from Home, doing stuff Since: May, 2011
The Draconic Superior
#7: Aug 6th 2011 at 7:54:24 PM

[up] Because, it gives me a better feel of the characters and besides, ignore this thread, it was kind of useless in the first place.

66Scorpio Banned, selectively from Toronto, Canada Since: Nov, 2010
Banned, selectively
#8: Aug 12th 2011 at 2:57:24 AM

Lawful Evil might work better: sure he's evil but he is lawful enough to know the value of teamwork.

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you are probably right.
KSonik Since: Jan, 2015
#9: Aug 12th 2011 at 7:54:14 AM

Nah, Neutral Evil characters can still be loyal to their friends and stuff.

Tarsen Since: Dec, 2009
#10: Aug 13th 2011 at 7:45:05 AM

i dont quite remember but arent Neutral Evil characters pragmatic villains? they follow the law but break it when necessary, they value teamwork and friendship because it brings their and their teammates morale up, and because theres a high chance if they're in trouble their friend will actually help them out.

i guess a problem would be: him being in a position to save a friend, but doing so would very very likely kill him, then i guess he would pick his own life over his friend's, because his friend is a liability that cannot be saved. but if your character gets into that position, you can still show he cares deeply about his friends by having that action tear him up and make him BSOD. of course, that could easily end up being character development that makes him The Atoner, making him less pramatic and presumedly less evil i guess?

Dealan Since: Feb, 2010
#11: Aug 13th 2011 at 8:56:18 AM

Yes, a Neutral Evil person can definitely be truly loyal to his teamates, care about them, and love them. Evil is not the same as Complete Monster, people. They have feelings too. A Neutral Evil could easily sacrifice his/her life for another person.

"Neutral Evil" is a very broad term. Don't be too worried if your character isn't a perfect example.

nekomoon14 from Oakland, CA Since: Oct, 2010
#12: Aug 14th 2011 at 2:04:40 PM

Even Evil Has Loved Ones

He may care for a select group of people and everyone else can burn for all he cares. That's basically how I approach this issue with my own charater, Niko.

Even Evil Has Standards

Yes, he is a sadistic jerk, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have morals (few as they may be) - maybe he refuses to harm children or pregnant women.

The tricky part, I think, is explaining WHY the character cares about these people. What have they done to win his affection? because it ain't free if he's Neutral Evil.

Level 3 Social Justice Necromancer. Chaotic Good.
Trotzky Lord high Xecutioner from 3 km North of Torchwood Since: Apr, 2011
Lord high Xecutioner
#13: Aug 14th 2011 at 3:30:28 PM

His team have joined because they care for the Cause. By fighting together and saving each others' lives, they love each other.

What's the big deal? If he is a person, then he can have friends. If he cannot have friends, then he is not a person, he is a thing. All things by definition are Neutral alignment.

Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!
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