1. What virtues does your character have? List at least 4.
Patience, ability to emotionally separate himself from making decisions, eloquence, loyalty.
You have a good start! Patience is a very, very good key virtue, and it's nice to see a character that actually has it. It's sort of strange to see a male character exhibiting patience, but then again, I hear that Narthas is an elf. You're the last person I would expect to slip up, but I'll tell you this anyway: patience is hard to keep consistent in a character, because it means that a very commonly displayed emotion, anger, is often kept in check. My thoughts? Thank god for a character who doesn't blow up at everything... it's about time. xD
Loyalty is also a very good virtue to have, so I'm sort of struck by that one, too. Good job!* What events in your character's past lead to the development of these virtues?
His extremely traumatic childhood taught him not to be so emotionally weak and completely invested in the well-being of someone else, as many of those traumatic events was due to the weakness of his mother. Also being a soldier of considerable rank in several campaigns taught him austere responsibility.
I would have preferred to know a little bit more about this traumatic childhood, but I'm sure there are reasons why you didn't delve into it. Anyway, though that reason is played a lot, I can see that it has instead of making your character a putrid little whelp, actually done something realistic in turning them somewhat stone-ish. So far everything adds up, but I knew you'd do a good job! * What events in your character's past haunt their development?
Quite disturbingly, he was glad to have watched Tuor kill his father. The fact that his home was completely destroyed at such an impressionable time in his life, everything else he would ever do would be influenced by the desire to preserve the memory of his childhood.
Aww. That's a really good fluke in development, right there. Very good. I like it! No crits right there...!2. What follies does your character have? List at least 6.
The incapacity to forgive his late father, the incapacity to forgive anyone, really, once they've deliberately done something wrong, his stubbornness, his inability to connect with other Elves, his restlessness, his inability to let go of the past no matter how much he deludes himself into thinking that it doesn't matter to him anymore.
These are good because they aren't just simple one-worded answers. Still a list, but I'm glad it's not just like "allergy to peanuts, callousness, responsibility, etc..." These are good follies, because I can really see them at some point in the story burdoning him. I'm sure you will, but I'll say it anyway: Keep in mind the consistency like I mentioned before! If he has a problem with forgiving people, try to keep it that way. But you probably already knew that.* What events in your character's past lead to the development of these weaknesses?
The destruction of Gondolin, the home of his childhood. It was also the first time he served in battle. The death of his mother, and the breaking of the continent, forcing the survivors of those wars to settle in Middle-earth.
I would've liked to see a little bit more elaboration here, since it is on the development of weaknesses, but this suffices. At least there's some elaboration. Each one of those points I can see leading to several different follies, so good job!* How does your character try to combat these weaknesses?
He relives the past through architecture and the creation of things.
I would've liked to see more here, because I don't really understand your answer too well. I mean I can form an idea, but more would've been nice. But I guess the key there is "He relives the past", so that's probably all I need to know, huh? * Describe a scene where one or more of these follies create a large problem for your character.
The time he did an extremely stupid thing by acting on his restlessness, leading to his capture by southerners and humiliating thralldom for 2 years.
I was hoping you would actually show me the scene. xD Well, if you had it written. But if you don't this is fine, hehe. It's nice to see that you employed a lesser weakness such as restlessness and led it up to such a big demise, though. You don't see that very often. I like it!3. In what ways is your character unlike yourself?
For one, he's not a germophobe. For two, he doesn't see the point in wasting away, pondering life/death/human nature unless something useful will come of it. For three, he doesn't much approve of racial slurs. (I'm an equal-opportunity offender who usually ends up making fun of her own heritage (in the best/proudest way possible) more often than not.)
You had a start here, which is nice. The biggest problem with main characters that I see is that the author usually makes them so like themselves, that they don't want to write anything unusual or bad to them. That, and if the main character is like the author, all of the other characters tend to act pretty similar, too. So even little differences, staring with appearances (which I'm sure you left out gender differences because, well, duh), mannerisms, status, etc. So I'm glad that you had stuff to put down for this answer.4. Which character traits are displayed at an extreme in this character?
Narthas' inability to move on has caused a permanent gap to form between him and everyone else, and he refuses to go to Valinor with the other Elves. And not being a typically ill-mannered elf, he has been seen to be explosive with those who have no loyalty or are without a strict set of morals.
Good, good, especially for a male character. Males tend to be more extreme in their traits than usual, so this was really good. No crit here!* How are these traits made extreme?
Well, for one not usually prone to anger, getting into an almost deadly fight with Aragorn for so negatively disrupting Denethor's family life is a bit extreme.
And also denying the right to return to the Immortal Lands and would rather wither away on the mortal plane is something of a life-changing decision.
Good good good! I like this a lot! You've got decent events that lead to believable extremes. Nice!5. A main character, though supposed to have weaknesses, also has certain qualities that are much better or more distinct than those of other characters (which is why this character is the main one!). What are these qualities in your character?
He's ethical and does not tolerate injustice to the slightest bit. He is also extremely worldly and is a fantastic observer of the behavior of people.
Ethical and an intolerance to injustice. I really like that and by reading all of your previous answers, I can really see this standing out in your character.* What makes this character the protagonist? What about this character do / will readers love?
Who doesn't love a jaded yet comical/relaxed character? When you've experienced every emotion at least once in it's most extreme over the several thousand years you've been around, the negative ones more often than not, you've got nothing left to do other than be jaded and laugh.
Ah, so Narthas is laconic on the inside. The outside personality paired with his inside personality is great! It's really believable and makes sense, as that's what usually winds up happening to actual people who suffer through negative emotions for a looong time. Well done! * What about this characters do / will readers hate?
Some will see an irritating facade, but most should see that this "suave/brutally honest/sickeningly kind" exterior is simply to cover up a gaping hole where his peaceful life should have been.
Even though I was supposed to see this as an icon of hate, I kind of love him even more now, hah! But the facade thing, definitely despisable. I am really enjoying your answers, you know that?6. Is your character attractive?
Uhm, I'm pretty sure he is. He's an elf after all. At this point, though, I have a hard time with that because this character is so much part of me now that to find him attractive would be like finding my uncle attractive. But I mean, he does have some signs of aging. Laugh lines, a furrow in his brow, and creases on his forehead. He's not perfect.
I like how he is still somewhat attractive, but distinguished, what with the aging imperfections. So often, characters, elves especially, are so perfectly carved and smooth, it's annoying, so it's refreshing to see such a well-thought character is not an absolute doll sitting on someone's shelf.* In what ways?
He's strong and rough around the edges from years in the wild, distinct features with a stupidly expressive mouth and eyebrows.
Hahaha! Cute! I can see that as being attractive, especially the expressiveness of his features.7. Does your character have insecurities?
Any insecurities he had as a young man are stripped away now. I guess the only thing he's afraid of is people finding out what he used to be like, back in the First Age.
Well, I would be disappointed, but you've done such a good job at making the absence of insecurities believable, so I'll leave you alone. * What are they? Do they play a big part in the story?
Er... see above? :\
But no, they don't play too big a role unless I'm writing something from his younger years.
8. Does your character typically act rude towards other people?
Not really, no.
Only comments: THANK GOD.* If so, why? What events lead to this outlook?
N/A.
9. Does your character typically act meekly towards other people?
Noes.
* If so, why? What events lead to this outlook?
N/A.
10. If your character does not act rude or meek outwardly, explain how and why they act.
He's extremely forward, and sometimes this extroversion can be a little intimidating.
I like that. The forewardness. Outspoken / bold characters are amusing and fun to read about.11. What ways can your character change throughout your story?
Uhm, he goes through the typical stuff. (Actually, this is really in reference to my own life, so... not so far fetched, eh?)
Childhood: Innocence, simplicity.
Late childhood: The innocence begins to taint, causing him to question the goodness of the world.
Young adulthood: Everything he knew to be good and true is upended and his world collapses after Gondolin is sieged. Childhood is completely obliterated, and he withdraws into himself as his circumstance suddenly demands that he grow up.
Later Young adulthood: Half-way to true adulthood, but the last step is incredibly difficult. Anger and violence consumes him.
Adulthood: The War of Wrath destroys the continent of Beleriand, and people flee eastward else be swallowed by the sea. This incredibly abrupt change brings about a change in his demeanor, and his temper is cooled at last. The loss of his old home finally allows him to leave those hateful memories behind so that he may begin a new life, though he refuses to forget his old home.
Ooh, I love how much you put into that. Definitely worth some extra points. 12. What stereotypes does your character fit?
The martyr, the hermit, the soldier, the creator, the wayward son (no reference to the song by Kansas, haha).
Haha. I like those; some / most of those stereotypes aren't often used, and it's a really interesting combination to see in one character. Really, really impressive!* In what ways do they differ from this stereotype?
Yeah I don't get this one.
Oops. I probably should have worded it like "In what ways do they break from the stereotype?" or, "What traits do they exhibit that could break them from this stereotype?" Oh well, don't worry about it, you're fine. My bad.* Is your character predominantly "stereotypically feminine" or "stereotypically masculine"? What events have lead to this development in their personality?
Stereotypically masculine without a doubt. Well... all of the events in his life shaped him, just ad the whole of anyone's life make them who they are.
I can see that without a doubt. The only thing "feminine" I see in him is the fact that he's still an elf. Hehe, I always thought elves were extremely femme. But I liked reading this a lot!All in all, this was very well done, and I would be stupid not to pass you, wouldn't I? It seemed well done and well thought out, although in some parts it seemed like perhaps you just wanted to finish it to get it graded ( ), but that's okay. I do the same thing.
Thoroughness and Lenthiness: 12
Originality of Answers: 20
Originality of Character: 20
Did it make sense and add up?: Yes, really well, too! 20!
Miscellaneous points for no reason: 20
92 / 100
You pass with a big fat A!!!