: Re: How to make side-characters look competent next to the chosen one? I'm writing a storyline for a game where the forces of evil have humanity cornered. Truly everything seems lost, that is, until

@Eichhorn147

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The way to answer this question now and also the next time it comes up is to examine another question: "Why are you introducing Dave?" What purpose does he fulfill in the story? Is he primarily just there to admire Bob? If so, what makes him different than all the countrymen who are already telling legends about Bob's deeds? Is he there to help Bob complete tasks? If so, that sounds like there's at least something Bob can't do by himself, so what is that and what is he lacking? Is he there as a companion, to make the journey less boring for Bob and/or the player? If so, what is a personal quality that would endear him to Bob? For that, you need to understand Bob as a person to know what kind of person would make a good emotional connection. Alternately, perhaps the main emotional beat of the game is how lonely it is for Bob at the top, how isolating fame can be, or how Bob has devoted his life to his passion/calling at the cost of fellowship and building a normal life. Maybe Bob becomes curious about humans and wants to learn about them. Or maybe even, Dave doesn't feel unadulterated admiration for Bob. Has Bob's actions caused problems (like an Avengers/Sokovia situation or a Walmart/death of local economy situation)? Or does Dave resent Bob simply for being too perfect? Does Dave think Bob's arrogant or condescending? There are so many ways that could go.

Determine if you want Bob and Dave's relationship to be based on partnership, detachment and observation, or conflict. Then sketch out a backstory for why Dave would want to journey with Bob in the first place. Once you get there, you should have a clearer idea of where you want to go after that.

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