I don’t know about you but while many people are annoyed with the proliferation of the Space Marine archetype the one that gets to me the most is the Moody Protagonist usually with a side order of whiny and self loathing, these are the Cloud’s and Squall’s of the gaming world.

These characters forgo having charm and intelligence to seem “brooding” and “deep” but to me they just appear shallow and self obsessed. They also usually come with one or more “will they/wont they” love interests my most hated of all cliche’s. (admittedly these have been done well a few times but I haven’t seen one in a while).

I wish we had more main characters with a bit of charm and style, the kind that have interesting and witty conversations and banter and who act with confidence and panache. These characters are the Balthier’s and the Joshua Calvert’s (for those who have read the wonderful Nights Dawn Trilogy)

Unfortunately these characters actually take a bit of skill to write for and not have them come off as egotistical and self-obsessed (I expect this is how I come off sometimes in real life)

So please, writers and designers don’t treat me to any more overly verbose monologues of self doubt and inner torment just to cover up your inability to write a proper plot and interesting characterisation. It may be easy but its not going to get you the best character.

Edit: I’m currently Playing the newest Prince of Persia and I am really liking the Prince. I think he has some serious style. Additionally, Batman is the exception that proves the rule.