The development of interesting
nonplayer characters by gamemasters is one
of the more challenging and fun parts of role-
playing. There are many methods of creating
elaborately detailed NPCs. However, GMs
have limited amounts of time to work on
their campaigns, and not every NPC can be a
fully fleshed out persona. Certainly, the more
important NPCs deserve special
development. But what about the bit players
used in casual encounters? What do you do
when the PCs want to talk to everyone they
meet in a bar or on the street?
They'll get tired of meeting one Mr. Generic after another (sorry, Joe Genero.) Resorting to random personality trait tables may generate NPCs with unrealistic and outlandish temperaments, aside from taking time to use. In this case, archetypical NPCs are the way to go.
Archetypical NPCs can be described in a line or maybe even a word. Yet they have a lot of intrinsic background because they represent common figures in fiction. Archetypes are quick and easy to use because they're like characters we've read about them or seen on the screen countless times. Both the GM and players are familiar with them. The GM instantly knows the mannerisms and personality that are appropriate and can role-play the character accordingly, without the work and time of creating an NPC from scratch. In fact, most GMs, consciously or unconsciously, use archetypes when coming up with NPCs.
Of course, PCs are based on archetypes as well. However, the heroic stereotypes used by PCs are not appropriate for your run-of-the-mill NPC encounters. These NPCs are not champions or great villains, but mostly just ordinary people.
The following tables list some archetypical NPCs for use in modern role playing games (those based in the near past or future.) Fhe format is generic, with personalities described rather than statistics. If needed, the GM can generate abilities and skills suitable for each character. The NPCs presented are essentially "throwaway" characters, yet memorable enough to be used over again and developed further if needed.
Since the NPCs listed may seem quite stereotyped, the GM should occasionally consider playing the NPC against type. In other words, add an unusual twist to keep the party on their toes. Maybe the derelict turns out to be an college professor, or the little old lady is a judo expert. Restraint is necessary, however, as players tend to get paranoid when they have encounter after encounter with superhero janitors and psionic metermaids.
The first table, Military NPCs, can be used for soldiers, sailors, airmen or mercenaries. The second, Lowlifes, is applicable when the party meets people on the wrong side of town or uses that "streetwise" skill. Citizen NPCs are appropriate for most encounters. Upper Crust NPCs will rarely be encountered randomly, but are found at elite gathering spots and select social occasions.
Cattle Call Archetypes for Non-Player Characters
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