Star Wars Characters can't have real life issues?

[Celiana]

So I recently posted in one of the threads discussing some of my character's backstory. Keep in mind that particular part of my character's story came from a friend of mine's actual life. My question I'm posing for discussion is are there things not talked about on Chaos? I mean if say a character grew up with an abusive family IC. Purely for the sake of trying to as a writer put themselves in the mindset of someone who has gone through that to write another story that has nothing to do with Chaos would those darker, less talked about topics be off-limits?

Also as a side-note IC I seem to have lost my Master due to this voicing this backstory so if there are any takers?

Anyone?

 

[Nima Tann]

Nima had an abusive father, has a very low self confidence, fears many things, sometimes suicidal.

So your characters can have real life problems. They are fictional yet they have a real life in a fictional world after all.

[member="Celiana"]

 

[Darth Ophidia]

I don't think there are any stories off limits so long as it doesn't become too graphic or sexual, as per site rules. However, I see many writers here on Chaos have explored dark stories to varying degrees. Personally, I just think the writer who explores such topics should keep the gravity of it in mind. If it made no impact on the character, then it shouldn't be there. It would be insulting to those who suffer in the wake of a similar event.

 

[Celiana]

Yeah I figured.....I mean as it stands IC Celiana was a victim of rape, has a whole host of daddy issues, is inherently hard on herself, and has low self confidence. It's a bummer cause I was really enjoying the dynamic of the RP threads with my old master. Now I'm looking for a new Master due to bringing up IC backstory. I should note nothing like that has EVER happened to me and I'm fine but again just a bummer all around.

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Other than the PG-13 rating and the RP rules, there are no limits to what you can do with your storyline.

While not everyone wants to role-play "darker" or controversial themes and subject matter, there are definitely writers on Chaos who will. And as long as its treated within the parameters of the site rules, you should be fine.

Linking the RP rules for your benefit:
http://starwarsrp.net/page/articles.html/_/role-play-rules/role-play-rules-r26

[member="Celiana"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Some writers just might not feel comfortable writing certain kinds of stories. For example there are certain kinds of subjects I won't ever write nor will I ever allow Jake to be apart of (sexual violence to be specific and forced drug abuse). Many authors have subject matter that are off limits to them and their characters; those are mine.

Ultimately, however, what I think and feel does not matter when it comes to you and your character. Real life issues help people relate better to a character. So have fun, kick ass, and do what you do best!

If what you write has no impact on their character, then they can bugger off

 

[sabrina]

As long as it is PG-13 which I think means only consensual sex, and blacking out when you to bed.
Then nothing is out of bounds.
As for your former master, that is up to them. As they don't feel comfortable with real life problems, then they have right to avoid it.
Good luck with finding a new master, though if you ever come to dark side. Let me know, I like training people with my master account.

 

[Alfie Mischa]

I have a business problem for Alfie, because he's mentally slow! That's my character issue, and it works out! He's not famous!

 

[Ellie Mors]

as it stands IC Celiana was a victim of rape,

They are possibly avoiding it because it's against site rules to portray rape in any way.

 

[Celiana]

just mentioning that it happened to the character though? without even discussing it in any sort of detail?

 

[Ellie Mors]

just mentioning that it happened to the character though? without even discussing it in any sort of detail?

I don't know the context of the situation, but I'm sure it isn't a comfortable subject for many. I, personally, would avoid mentioning it directly. I can't speak for the other member, whoever they might be, though.

 

[Kei Amadis]

*Hadn't read the original replies regarding subject matter, so this is a general comment in regards OP.

[member="Celiana"]

Write what you want when its character development stuff.

I rp out plenty of psychological stuff on different alts, some experienced, some of it from friends/family/, or just texts i've studied over the years. Sometimes its just a side thing, I don't treat it as flippant but a smaller longer running part of the character. Like a fear of heights for example, Other times its the complete focus of the character, like abandonment or betrayal.

Bit of drama is cool, when its character focused anyway, and doesn't you know derail other people's fun, always pm if in doubt , I usually do.

 

[Armand Temi]

^^ This is really good advice. Communication is important when delving into uncomfortable subject matter. You never know the other writer's tolerance for unconventional storylines. Better to ask upfront than to find out later that they were offended.

[member="Kei Amadis"]

 

[Kei Amadis]

[member="Cath Lorr"]
Yep that pm button is king to everything going smooth, or queen

 

[Aya Clarke]

*stares at rules for five minutes straight*

... what about cannibalism and insanity?

You know. For potential characters that may or may not eventually be made.

Possibly.

Maybe.

 

[Jack Mirrikh]

[member="Celiana"]

Black Ties have proven that you can push all the boundaries as long as you do it in a thread where no one's likely to report you. Other than that nugget of knowledge, I can say that you can pretty much go with whatever AS LONG as you do your best to keep it PG-13. Don't get too graphic, but you're allowed to deal in heavy content.

 

[Rose Vishkall]

I think writing about the real life stuff is important. I understand some people wish to keep it a fantasy world, but personally I love writing about the dark. That PG-13 guide line kills me. Though it does make the site more proffessional, not a fan of the non-con not allowed as that in the right hands and only then can make some really good content.

Especially for Rose, or any slave character really. Sex happens, even on this forum site and alluding to it in my opinion is better than straight smutting all over the place. Though non-con could be fine, personally I don't find often enough to really mention when I'm writing but I've seen it pulled off. But hey I'm not really complaining too much, just came to my head when I saw the opening topic. Just an example, another good one is gore.

Gore is really hard to get in the Star Wars place because all the weapons are heated. Though if someone knows anatomy and their fighting with a sword or hammer then we should illustrate the horrors of war. Yes it's fantasy and we should experience our wishes. Like combat, it's really obvious that a lot of us want to try it just not IRL. So we write about it, but when I go into combat for my stories off of Chaos I always try to show how terrible violence is. But here I know people want to have fun and try to make these things less serious.

But those are just my 1:36 AM thoughts. Sorry for rambling, I'm heading to bed, night folks!

 

[Connor Harrison]

[member=Celiana] The galaxy we write in and the characters live may be fictional, but they are still human (mostly) who live and breathe as much as we do here.

They deserve to be treated like real sentient beings as much as you feel comfortable with, and experience as many highs or lows as you want to give them.

Be it taboo subjects that are dealt with in an obviously sensitive, mature and acceptable manner for a PG-13 board, or great accomplishment over personal struggle, it should be shared. They are not just soldiers or Jedi or pilots and invincible heroes and villains; they are men and women and everything else just like us.

Look at many mainstream films now and characters in media; regardless of their status or powers and ability, they have humane demons to struggle with and flaws and personal history that defines them and should be explored.

 

[Celiana]

I'm really glad I posted this thing now it continues to give viewpoints from all sorts of people and opinions which I take as critique. A key tool for any writer. Please peeps of chaos continue the discussion! It's alive! Alive! Mwahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Vereaux]

Just as an FYI for the people of Chaos when it comes to PG-13: it is a highly subjective system used in and born from Hollywood politics. If you want to get down to the nit-and-gritty of it, that is what it is. It is born from what people believe to be appropriate enough for display to children, because otherwise, people will be sued by overly concerned parents, who probably brought their kids to the movie in the first place. I'm not saying this is what people meant it to become, because originally, it was done with good intentions. After years and years of movie making, the focus has shifted towards wanting a rating of PG-13 to acquire a larger audience, still keep a large amount of adult content, but get as much money out of it as possible.

It's very sad, honestly.

With what [member="Celiana"] has mentioned, I think it's a fantastic step in the right direction of us, as writers, talking about the things that make us uncomfortable. I have several friends who are Alcoholics (if anyone is familiar with AA), former drug addicts, currently battling schizophrenia (both aware and unaware of their condition), and one very dear man who has impulses of manslaughter and fights it every day by drinking. I personally have gone through psychological abuse, making it very difficult getting close to people; yet I know several troubled people, so how that works, I don't know. I think troubled individuals gravitate toward each other for help and guidance, if that can be one explanation.

My point is, however, that while I have mentioned all of these real life concerns, I have not broken any rules in regards to a PG-13 rating. I do not describe the visual image of what happens. With this distinction, it becomes very hard to draw the lines between what is PG-13 and R when we, as a community, need to be able to talk about these subjects. Pornography is precise; we all know what it is. Drug use is not precise. It is not clear cut. Alcohol is even worse, because there's a difference between the occasional drink, to drinking every day. Side effects: I won't go there. Not for this thread anyway.

In regards to writing with other individuals, I have to make something very clear: communication, both with the person and with their character. I don't know what happened with the other person, Celiana, but I feel that you did the right thing by asking and posting this thread. The other person, for whatever reason, up and didn't reply back. This isn't a failing, I feel, on your part. You did what you could, and thus we're here now =)

I hope this is enlightening.