The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide

by James D’Amato
The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide cover
Good Books rating 4.25
How-To and DIY
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3523
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781507217917
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2022-06-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Unlock the full potential of your RPG characters with 'The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide: Expanded Genres Edition.' This engaging and interactive book, created by One Shot's James D'Amato, offers a wealth of exercises designed to help you build rich, compelling backstories for characters in various genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, horror, x-punk, superhero, and western themes. Whether you're starting a new character or fleshing out an existing one, this guide provides endless inspiration and fun activities to enhance your role-playing experience before you even sit down at the gaming table. /n/nWith a focus on popular RPG genres, this book is an essential tool for any role-player looking to add depth and complexity to their characters. The exercises are designed to be both enjoyable and insightful, helping you explore new character ideas and genres with ease. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the world of role-playing games, this guide will help you create characters that are as unique and engaging as the stories you'll tell together.

Reviews
Real Otaku Gamer · 2025-10-18
useful 3.50

The book is noted for its structured approach to developing character backstories, though it also highlights some flaws in the process. It is seen as a useful tool for character development.

Real Otaku Gamer provides a detailed review of the book's structured approach to character backstory development. They appreciate the book's sections that break down the process and offer valuable insights. However, they also point out some flaws and areas where the book could improve. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges the book's usefulness in helping gamers create more compelling characters. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their role-playing experiences.

Quick quotes

    The book breaks down into sections how to develop your characters backstory, what to consider and what wont work.

    The more I read, the more flaws I realized I had in my own character creations.

    It's a great tool for anyone looking to improve their character development skills.

Cannibal Halfling Gaming · 2019-02-22
innovative 4.75

This guide is commended for its innovative approach to character creation, which encourages active thinking and creativity. It is preferred over traditional how-to guides.

The reviewer from Cannibal Halfling Gaming appreciates the unique approach taken by James D'Amato in this guide. They find it much more engaging than a typical how-to manual, as it prompts readers to actively think about their characters. This method is seen as highly beneficial for creating more meaningful and engaging role-playing experiences. The reviewer also notes that the book's structure and content make it a valuable tool for both new and experienced gamers.

Quick quotes

    This is way better than a How To Guide, and I'm very pleased D'Amato went this route that encourages actively thinking about your character(s).

    It's a fantastic resource for anyone looking to add depth to their characters.

    The book's prompts and activities are incredibly useful for sparking creativity.

Katrina Ostrander · Katrina Ostrander · 2018-10-08
enjoyable 4.50

This book is praised for extending the enjoyment of role-playing games by providing engaging ways to develop character backstories. It is seen as a valuable tool for enhancing the gaming experience.

Katrina Ostrander highlights how this book offers a fun and interactive way to deepen the role-playing experience. They appreciate that it goes beyond a simple how-to guide and encourages creative thinking about characters. The book is described as a valuable resource for anyone looking to add more depth and enjoyment to their gaming sessions. Ostrander also mentions that it provides a vehicle for many more hours of fun, making it a great companion for gamers who want to enrich their role-playing adventures.

Quick quotes

    Most importantly, this book provides a vehicle for many more hours of fun when you don't feel like you have enough role-playing in your life.

    It's a great way to get more out of your role-playing sessions.

    This book is a must-have for any RPG enthusiast.

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