5 Tips for Creating Engaging and Realistic NPCs

Introduction

In role-playing games like Savage Worlds, NPCs (non-player characters) are characters that are controlled by Gamer Master (GM) rather than the players (PC). These characters are similar to similar to extras in real-life films - they help to populate the game world and add depth and immersion to the story, but they are not the main focus of the game. Here are five tips for creating engaging and realistic NPCs in Savage Worlds and other popular pen and paper role-playing games.
As a GM (game master) in a role-playing game like Savage Worlds, DND, Warhammer etc. one of your key responsibilities is to create and control NPC characters. These characters can help to bring the game world to life and make the story more immersive & entertaining.
We have prepared five tips for creating engaging and realistic NPCs in your pen and paper role-playing games.

1. Give your NPCs personality:

One of the key ways to make your NPCs feel more realistic is to give them distinct personalities. This could include quirks, habits, likes and dislikes, and other characteristics that make them unique. Essentially put more effort into creating your NPCs. Think of their goals and motivations.

2. Use descriptive language:

When describing your NPCs, be sure to use descriptive language that helps to bring them to life. This can include physical descriptions, as well as details about their mannerisms and speech patterns. Things like their tone of voice or perhaps even an accent.

3. Make them active participants in your game:

Rather than just being props or background characters, try to make your NPCs active participants in the game. This could mean giving them motivations and goals of their own, or having them play a more active role in the story. It is also important that your NPCs keep their appearances through the campaign. This way players can get to know them better and it will also give you more idea to develop their stories.

4. Use dialogue with players to reveal personality and motivations of your NPCs:

When your NPCs speak, make sure their dialogue reveals something about their character. This could be their personality, their background, or their motivations. You can use various Oracles ton determine these things.

5. Don't be afraid to make them complex:

NPCs don't have to be one-dimensional or predictable. In fact, making them complex and multi-faceted can make them more engaging and realistic.

Bonus Section: Pre-Generated System Agnostic NPC Characters for Pulp Era Setting + Character Portraits

"The Femme Fatale"

A seductive and mysterious woman. She definitely has some hidden agenda and a knack for manipulating people around her. Will your players fall for her tricks? Name: "Isabella de la Vega" Physical Description: Tall and slender with long, dark hair and piercing green eyes.

"The Gadgeteer"

He is a brilliant inventor with a love of all things mechanical, always coming up with new inventions, gadgets and gizmos to help out in a pinch. Name: "Maxwell Edison" Physical Description: Rather short and stocky with a wild mop of curly hair and a perpetual grin.

"The Private Eye"

A hard-boiled detective with a no-nonsense attitude and a knack for solving even the toughest cases. Name: "Jake Thompson" Physical Description: Tall and muscular with a rugged, handsome face and piercing blue eyes.

"The Explorer"

An adventurous and curious individual. She is always seeking out new and exciting places to explore and discover. Name: "Samantha Reed" Physical Description: Petite and athletic with short, curly blonde hair and bright green eyes.

"The Mad Scientist"

A brilliant but eccentric scientist always working on new and sometimes dangerous experiments. Name: "Dr. Victor Frankenstein" Physical Description: Tall and thin with wild, unkempt hair and a wild-eyed look