Ramblings on Character: Dr. Sharon Davies

On last week’s episode, I made a character for the game Vampire the Masquerade 5th Edition. At first glance, Dr. Sharon Davies is a mess of contradictions. But, when you dig beneath the surface, it begins to make sense. She was made into a vampire against her will, brought into a clan often antithetical to her mental pursuits, but in a way, it made her a better person. It's funny to think that making someone other than human can put a spotlight on their own humanity. The best example I know in the media is Caroline from The Vampire Diaries (the TV show specifically; I’ve never read the books). Like Caroline, Sharon had to examine herself and her life and make active choices to survive and retain the humanity she had lost. 

In being made a vampire against her will, she now only feeds, perhaps to her detriment, from the willing. She was forged in fire to be stronger, mentally and physically, and unswayable in her endeavors. In that way, she is a perfect example of a Gangrel too. Maybe if she achieves her desire of confronting her sire, she will learn that the choice wasn't so random. Of course, that isn't for me to decide. 

All that said, sometimes creating a character can be difficult. Sometimes you're just out of ideas. It happens to the best of us. What I find helps is to just push through and make the first choice that comes to mind. As you assign stats, it will get your brain working and you'll see connections form and a story start to emerge. When I went into this episode, I had no idea what to make. I had just gotten off the phone with my mom and I remembered she studied history in college. From there, I just sort of extrapolated a story. I got to imagine another life based on one I already knew. From there, it was easy. 

So, let inspiration strike however it may. Remember, there isn't one right way to make a character; the only "real" rule is to ensure that it works for your table and group; past that, it's pretty fair game.

Here is Dr. Sharon's sheet. If you use her in your game please stop by our discord and let us know. I'm pondering a V5 game myself and would love to talk shop with anyone who wants.