Playing with Character: A Framework of Characterization in Video Games

Characterization in video games functions as a complex, multi-layered process that transcends traditional literary analysis by integrating interactive, player-driven dynamics. The core thesis posits that character identity is not merely authored by developers or portrayed by actors, but is fundamentally ergodic. This means that character traits are actively constructed through the player’s nontrivial choices, skill-based performance, and customization, creating a subjective experience that evolves throughout gameplay. By synthesizing narratology with ludology, this framework establishes a systematic vocabulary for understanding how digital personas are built within interactive environments.

The construction of these characters relies on a diverse array of narrative and ludic cues. Developers utilize traditional elements such as appearance, speech, and setting, while simultaneously leveraging medium-specific tools including camera techniques, haptics, control schemes, and user interface design. These sensory and mechanical inputs bridge the gap between static storytelling and active simulation. Because the resulting characterization is inherently variable and dependent on individual playstyles, researchers must adopt transparent methodologies, utilizing game corpora to document specific, situated experiences rather than assuming a singular, universal interpretation of a character.

This analytical framework provides a comprehensive lens for examining characterization across the global gaming industry, spanning various genres and production contexts. By categorizing these cues into storyworld, medium, and sensory dimensions, the model offers a robust structure for scholars to evaluate how characters are designed and perceived. Ultimately, the integration of these interdisciplinary perspectives—drawing from psychology, media studies, and narrative theory—enables a more nuanced understanding of how players and systems collaborate to breathe life into digital characters, ensuring that characterization remains a central, evolving pillar of interactive media studies.