Quote:
Originally Posted by
Harmonizer 
Briefly, I would like to point out how much fun it is to make characters from scratch. I mean, I understand that this is a Harry Potter site, but the reason why we have the School RPG is because we want to have like an experience on the real Hogwarts from the books and movies. What's the point of having Canon characters or those related to them if you have to base their personalities on something? It's much more fun to use and stretch the imagination, I think. Of course, Canon characters can be fun, as long as there is more originality in it than there is a basis from the book/movie.
And I love my made-up characters.
Harmony, here, makes an excellent point.
The Hogwarts RPG and Ministry RPG is like it's own thing, somewhat separate from the Harry Potter, but more based on this world. The plotlines are different, and so are the characters. Both RPGs serve as way for us to experience Hogwarts using our own unique characters. I'd be lying if I said canon characters aren't all bad. I'm not exactly big on canon characters, or using even distant relatives of canon characters, mainly because there may be some issues that we run into like loopholes, similar characteristics, etc.
Personally, I believe that we already have an RPG forum dedicated to unique story revolving around canon characters. That's what it's for, for people to make up their own plotlines, add in whatever they want, and do whatever they want. They portray the canon characters as well as their descendants.
I just don't think it's really "fun" to RP as a character who is somehow connected to canon characters. However, I do like the approach that Esme took where her charries are so distant from the Malfoy family that they bear almost no resemblance to the actual Malfoy family. That kind of relationship is one I find okay. But the closer your character is to a canon, the less unique your charrie is and the less fun it is to play him or her.
Another thing is that when you create your own, individual character based off of nothing else other than your own imagination, you really get in touch with your more creative side, and you become more experienced at creating new characters. If anything, the School/Ministry RPG brings out our creativity and expands it and that's what I love about it.