Chris Avellone Talks RPG Romance
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- First, the NPC romantic interest must be good in combat or contributes effectively to a mission. It is much easier to like/love someone who fulfills an effective combat role in the party (Final Fantasy VI/Final Fantasy III was always my model for this). Kate from Lost, for example, pulls this off - she's a good tracker, good with a gun, and can handle herself in a fight for the most part.
- The NPC is not subservient to the player, but either equal or not quite his or her equal. Kate from Lost does not feel she's worthy of Jack, but she can compete with him and give him a run for his money.
- At the same time, the romantic NPC has to be good at what they do - whether they are wizard, rogue, or whatever, it should be clear that the romance NPC is skilled at their profession. Slacking or whining is not an admirable romantic quality.
- The love interest doesn't have to like the PC, oddly enough, but it should be clear they admire or respect them for who they are, not what they can do. Regardless of Jack being a doctor, Kate thinks Jack's heroic and ethical qualities are admirable.
- Independent. If the player wasn't around, the NPC would be able to act independently, and they can think for themselves. They don't always blindly agree with the player and only have a life when they are around. In game, you want to give them individual AI, opinions, disagree at times, discuss, etc. The player wants someone to care about, not a drone who nods all the time.
