| name | character-depth |
| description | Activates when creating characters or specifications to ensure deep psychological backstory, Wound/Ghost, internal contradictions, defense mechanisms, and vulnerability triggers. |
Character Depth Skill
This skill enforces deep psychological development for major characters. When building character profiles or outlining specifications, you MUST require and define the following elements for every major character:
- The Wound / Ghost: Every major character should have a defining past event that shapes their worldview and drives their fears. This is the trauma or defining memory that haunts them.
- Psychological Backstory: Explore their childhood, formative relationships, status wounds, and class anxiety. This is the unseen history that explains their current behavior.
- Origin of Motivation: WHY do they want what they want? Do not just state the goal (e.g., "she wants revenge"). State the origin (e.g., "she wants revenge because her father's murder was covered up by people she trusted, so now trust itself is her enemy").
- Internal Contradictions: Detail what the character believes about themselves versus what's actually true. Describe what they say they want versus what they actually need.
- Defense Mechanisms: How do they protect themselves emotionally? Is it through humor, withdrawal, aggression, over-competence, or something else?
- Vulnerability Triggers: What specific situations crack their armor and reveal the real person underneath?
