University of Antwerp

Using Characterization Theory to Study the History of Video Game Characters

This paper proposes characterization theory, borrowed from literary studies, as a productive framework for tracing the history of video game characters (VGCs), encompassing both player-characters and non-playable characters.

• The paper argues that scholarship on video game history has focused mainly on technology and film-derived developments like photorealism and voice acting, neglecting the ludic and narrative evolution of video game characters (VGCs), which covers both player-characters and NPCs.
• It proposes adapting characterization theory from literary studies, specifically De Temmerman and van Emde Boas's model of name-giving, direct characterization, and indirect characterization (metaphorical and metonymical), as a framework for tracing VGC history.
• Hallmarks of contemporary games are identified as growing psychological complexity, detailed backstories, motivations, and orchestrated character conflicts, in contrast to earlier titles often criticized for shallow characters.