What makes a perfect protagonist?

[SUPA FRANKY]

A protagonist with a sense of humor. Also, a protagonist that only knows as much as you know aobut the situation, like Tidus.Also, HE MUST HAVE A small side kick of some sorts, like Daxter,Issun, or Clank.

 

[Arawn.Chernobog]

The problem with pre-built or non-silent protagonists is that they might not please the person controlling them (I had this issue a lot with FF XII, I empathized A LOT more with the villain then I did with the hero, and in some other games I'd actually enjoy seeing the death animations of "main characters" that I disliked)

I'm not saying that the player should always be avatar himself in the game [ex.: The Super Mario series, I don't feel like I am Mario, but making him (somewhat) silent has helped me play the games more enjoyably and allows me to focus much more in the world surrounding Mario, which is much more interesting then his "blank-slate" persona]

The ideal, for me, would be the impossible! Aka a Custom Character builder with all the possible dialogue choices and all possible voices well acted to perfection (none existent game, basically). But some games get close (Dragon Age, The Sims, Fallout 3, etc.)

I want this in my games because I like to make stories based on the game's theme, I like to build the protagonists for my stories (as if they were my wooden toy puppets) and then I like to follow the story to be close as possible to my desired experience (as in playing with said wooden puppets).

This doesn't mean I don't like pre-built characters, but it does mean that games with pre-built characters and stories are taking a BIG risk when I play them, as I may really dislike them, or really enjoy them [see: Final Fantasy 6 as I loved the story, main cast and especially Villain! Though I can also see that someone the opposite of me would have hated it]

 

[Fightgarr]

Ironically, I have to say that the perfect protagonist is made by the right flaws.

And by flaws I can only assume you mean actual flaws and not the smarmy commentary or misanthropic loner attitude which often define so many protagonists.

 

[Strizh]

Intelligent, independent (maybe even a bit stubborn), confident (maybe even a bit cocky, if it's not too annoying), direct. Not too grim but not a constantly wisecracking clown either. Should neither be an angel nor the devil. Backstory doesn't need to be artificially "deep" or "tragic". I have enough of being The Chosen One, avenging my loved ones, reclaiming thrones. A pleasant appearance and (especially!) voice makes it easier to relate.

Some good examples:

Spectre from Mechwarrior 4 Mercenaries (I wonder if anybody saw this coming?). A good commander - likeable but able to put people in their place. Professional at what he does. Not morally extreme. The game wouldn't have been that great without him.

Garret from the Thief series. I don't think introductions are needed.

All protagonists (but especially Taurus) from Interstate '76 and the Nitro Riders addon. Man, that game had some great writing.

 

[orangebandguy]

They must be silent!


That's proven to be a winning idea.

 

[BloodSquirrel]

I was discussing with my friend when the idea of a mute protagonist would ever be a good one and why the idea was ever considered a smart move in the first place. We then moved on to why some, such as Gordon Freeman, are so much more loved than others despite the fact that in the end they're all emotionless blank slates devoid of any personality. This became a debate as to what would make the perfect protagonist.

Do you like mute protagonists? Do gravelly-voiced, unquestioningly violent, human tanks do it for you? I realise that this will be an entirely opinionated discussion but that's the point. Perhaps together we could throw in all of our best ideas and create the escapist's perfect protagonist

The silent protagonist works whenever the intent is for the player to basically fill his void. When the main character has a defined personality it adds a layer of separation between the player and what happens to the character. A silent protagonists lets the player insert themselves more directly into the story.

Of course, in order for it to work, there has to be a story built around the player for them to experience.

 

[Dark Knifer]

The only protagonists I don't like are the macho men types with cement mixers for necks. Mute protagonists can work for me, but one of my new favourite protagonists would be etzio from ac2. He acts alot more human then altair from ac1.

 

[Vrex360]

Preferable someone relatable or if failing that at least a psychologically interesting character. Someone who the audience can find empathy with or just look on in amazement at their bizarre character traits.

 

[ADeskofRichMahogany]

I like it when protagonists have inventory screens. Or an inventory.

And a hitpoint bar. Kinda why I hate Mario

 

[Superhyperactiveman]

The perfect protaganist is one that is easy to bond with emotionally, the kind that does not take long for us to invest our emotions in them. We have to not only want to succeed at playing the game, but to also want to see the protaganist succeed in his life. Being funny helps, as does being in over his head in a complicated situation, but pushing through it because of his inner strength/convictions.