Understanding Fate Characters
The Fate RPG system is built around the concept that characters are defined by their Aspects - descriptive phrases that capture who they are, what they care about, and what makes them unique. Unlike traditional RPGs that focus heavily on numerical stats, Fate emphasizes narrative elements that drive both mechanical benefits and compelling storytelling.
The Five Core Aspects
Every Fate character has five aspects that define them:
- High Concept: The elevator pitch of who your character is
- Trouble: The complication that makes their life interesting
- Three Additional Aspects: Relationships, backgrounds, beliefs, or personality traits
Real-World Analogy
Think of Fate aspects like the tags on a social media profile. Just as #photographer, #coffeeaddict, and #dogparent tell you something meaningful about a person and suggest what kind of content they might post, Fate aspects tell you what a character can do well, what motivates them, and what kinds of situations they'll excel in or struggle with.
Character Creation Process
Creating a Fate character is more like writing a character biography than filling out a stat sheet. The process encourages players to think about their character's story first, then translate that into mechanical elements.
When to Use These Sample Characters
- New Players: Jump right into gameplay without character creation overwhelm
- One-Shots: Quick character selection for convention games or short adventures
- Inspiration: Use as templates or starting points for custom characters
- NPCs: Ready-made supporting characters with full mechanical stats
- Emergency Backup: When a player's character dies or retires mid-campaign
Solo Characters (Individual Heroes)
These characters work well as lone protagonists or as the foundation for building a larger party. Each represents a complete character concept that can drive stories on their own.
The Scholarly Detective
Dr. Elena Vasquez
High Concept: Forensic Anthropologist Who Solves Cold Cases
Trouble: Can't Let Go of Unsolved Mysteries
Other Aspects:
- Former Medical Examiner with Police Connections
- Reads People Like Ancient Bones
- Haunted by the One Case She Couldn't Solve
Skills: Investigate (+4), Lore (+3), Notice (+3), Empathy (+2), Contacts (+2), Will (+2), Academics (+1), Drive (+1), Rapport (+1), Shoot (+1)
Stunts: Forensic Specialist (use Lore instead of Investigate for crime scenes), Attention to Detail (+2 to Notice when examining evidence)
The Reformed Criminal
Marcus "Ghost" Washington
High Concept: Ex-Cat Burglar Turned Security Consultant
Trouble: Old Enemies Don't Forget
Other Aspects:
- Knows Every Lock Has a Weakness
- Code of Honor Among Thieves
- Protective of His Younger Sister
Skills: Burglary (+4), Athletics (+3), Stealth (+3), Notice (+2), Contacts (+2), Crafts (+2), Deceive (+1), Drive (+1), Fight (+1), Will (+1)
Stunts: Locksmith (+2 to Burglary for locks and security systems), Parkour (use Athletics instead of Drive for chase scenes on foot)
The Mystic Warrior
Akira Tanaka
High Concept: Samurai Descendant Seeking Spiritual Balance
Trouble: Ancient Honor in a Modern World
Other Aspects:
- Keeper of the Family Sword
- Meditation Brings Clarity
- Struggles with Technology
Skills: Fight (+4), Athletics (+3), Will (+3), Lore (+2), Notice (+2), Empathy (+2), Crafts (+1), Investigate (+1), Physique (+1), Stealth (+1)
Stunts: Weapon Master (+2 to Fight with swords), Inner Peace (use Will instead of Physique for physical stress)
The Tech Prodigy
Zoe Chen
High Concept: Teenage Hacker with a Conscience
Trouble: Too Young for Anyone to Take Seriously
Other Aspects:
- Information Wants to Be Free
- Corporate Conspiracy Tracker
- Loyal to Her Online Community
Skills: Crafts (+4), Investigate (+3), Lore (+3), Deceive (+2), Contacts (+2), Notice (+2), Academics (+1), Burglary (+1), Rapport (+1), Stealth (+1)
Stunts: Computer Specialist (use Crafts for all computer-related tasks), Digital Footprint (+2 to Investigate when researching online)
The Wandering Healer
Dr. Sarah Blackwood
High Concept: Traveling Doctor Without Borders
Trouble: Can't Say No to Someone in Need
Other Aspects:
- Do No Harm, Take No Prisoners
- Speaks Six Languages Fluently
- Haunted by Patients She Couldn't Save
Skills: Lore (+4), Empathy (+3), Will (+3), Rapport (+2), Drive (+2), Notice (+2), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Investigate (+1), Physique (+1)
Stunts: Medical Expert (use Lore for all medical knowledge and treatment), Bedside Manner (+2 to Rapport when comforting patients)
The Urban Shaman
River Crow-Feather
High Concept: Native Mystic Navigating City Spirits
Trouble: Caught Between Two Worlds
Other Aspects:
- The Spirits Whisper Warnings
- Protector of Sacred Places
- Grandmother's Ancient Wisdom
Skills: Lore (+4), Empathy (+3), Notice (+3), Will (+2), Survival (+2), Athletics (+2), Contacts (+1), Investigate (+1), Rapport (+1), Stealth (+1)
Stunts: Spirit Guide (use Lore to gain information about supernatural threats), Natural Intuition (+2 to Notice in natural settings)
The Veteran Journalist
Frank Morrison
High Concept: Investigative Reporter Who Uncovers Truth
Trouble: Too Stubborn to Drop a Story
Other Aspects:
- Sources in High and Low Places
- Camera Never Lies
- Divorced Due to Work Obsession
Skills: Investigate (+4), Contacts (+3), Rapport (+3), Deceive (+2), Notice (+2), Drive (+2), Academics (+1), Athletics (+1), Empathy (+1), Will (+1)
Stunts: Investigative Instincts (+2 to Investigate when following leads), Network of Sources (use Contacts to gather information in any major city)
The Reformed Assassin
Natasha Volkov
High Concept: Former Government Asset Seeking Redemption
Trouble: Blood on Her Hands Won't Wash Clean
Other Aspects:
- Every Mission Has an Exit Strategy
- Protects the Innocent at All Costs
- Hunted by Former Employers
Skills: Shoot (+4), Stealth (+3), Athletics (+3), Fight (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Deceive (+1), Drive (+1), Investigate (+1), Physique (+1)
Stunts: Assassin Training (+2 to Stealth when stalking targets), Combat Reflexes (may use Notice instead of Athletics for defense)
The Occult Librarian
Professor Margaret Whitmore
High Concept: University Librarian Who Guards Forbidden Knowledge
Trouble: Knowledge is Power, Power Corrupts
Other Aspects:
- Every Book Has Its Place and Purpose
- Protector of the Restricted Section
- Sees Patterns Others Miss
Skills: Lore (+4), Academics (+3), Investigate (+3), Will (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+2), Crafts (+1), Empathy (+1), Rapport (+1), Stealth (+1)
Stunts: Walking Encyclopedia (+2 to Lore for any academic subject), Ritual Magic (use Lore to perform minor supernatural effects)
The Street Artist
Diego "Murals" Santos
High Concept: Graffiti Artist Fighting Gentrification
Trouble: Art is Worth the Risk
Other Aspects:
- Every Wall Tells a Story
- Voice for the Voiceless
- Knows Every Alley in the City
Skills: Crafts (+4), Athletics (+3), Stealth (+3), Contacts (+2), Notice (+2), Rapport (+2), Burglary (+1), Deceive (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1)
Stunts: Urban Artist (+2 to Crafts for visual art), Parkour Expert (use Athletics instead of Burglary for climbing buildings)
Dynamic Duos (Two-Character Teams)
These paired characters have built-in relationships and shared history, making them perfect for campaigns focusing on partnership dynamics.
The Mentor and Student
Master Li Wei
High Concept: Ancient Martial Arts Master
Trouble: Old Ways Don't Always Apply
Other Aspects:
- Patient Teacher to Alex Chen
- Keeper of the Phoenix Style
- Haunted by Past Failures
Skills: Fight (+4), Will (+3), Lore (+3), Athletics (+2), Empathy (+2), Notice (+2), Rapport (+1), Physique (+1), Stealth (+1), Survival (+1)
Alex Chen
High Concept: Eager Martial Arts Student
Trouble: Impatience Leads to Mistakes
Other Aspects:
- Loyal to Master Li Wei
- Bridge Between Old and New
- Protective of Fellow Students
Skills: Athletics (+4), Fight (+3), Notice (+3), Drive (+2), Rapport (+2), Will (+2), Academics (+1), Contacts (+1), Empathy (+1), Investigate (+1)
The Cop and the Criminal
Detective Rosa Martinez
High Concept: Honest Cop in a Corrupt Department
Trouble: Plays by the Rules in a Crooked Game
Other Aspects:
- Reluctant Partner to Tommy "Fingers" O'Brien
- Justice Above All Else
- Protecting Her Family's Reputation
Skills: Investigate (+4), Shoot (+3), Drive (+3), Contacts (+2), Empathy (+2), Notice (+2), Athletics (+1), Fight (+1), Rapport (+1), Will (+1)
Tommy "Fingers" O'Brien
High Concept: Reformed Thief Working with Police
Trouble: Once a Criminal, Always Suspect
Other Aspects:
- Uneasy Alliance with Detective Martinez
- Knows the Street Like His Own Hands
- Trying to Go Straight for His Daughter
Skills: Burglary (+4), Contacts (+3), Stealth (+3), Athletics (+2), Deceive (+2), Notice (+2), Crafts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Fight (+1)
The Siblings
Captain Elena Reeves (Navy)
High Concept: Naval Officer and Protector
Trouble: Duty Before Family
Other Aspects:
- Big Sister to Marcus Reeves
- Honor and Discipline Above All
- Haunted by Wartime Decisions
Skills: Fight (+4), Shoot (+3), Will (+3), Athletics (+2), Drive (+2), Physique (+2), Contacts (+1), Investigate (+1), Notice (+1), Rapport (+1)
Dr. Marcus Reeves
High Concept: Civilian Doctor and Healer
Trouble: Pacifist Philosophy in Violent World
Other Aspects:
- Little Brother to Captain Elena Reeves
- First Do No Harm
- Sees the Good in Everyone
Skills: Lore (+4), Empathy (+3), Rapport (+3), Will (+2), Notice (+2), Investigate (+2), Academics (+1), Contacts (+1), Crafts (+1), Drive (+1)
The Business Partners
Victoria Sterling
High Concept: Corporate Executive with Hidden Agenda
Trouble: Success at Any Cost
Other Aspects:
- Business Partner to Jake Morrison
- Perfectly Polished Public Image
- Secrets That Could Destroy Everything
Skills: Deceive (+4), Rapport (+3), Resources (+3), Contacts (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Academics (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Investigate (+1)
Jake Morrison
High Concept: Tech Entrepreneur with a Conscience
Trouble: Idealism Versus Profit
Other Aspects:
- Business Partner to Victoria Sterling
- Technology Should Help People
- Suspicious of Victoria's Methods
Skills: Crafts (+4), Academics (+3), Lore (+3), Investigate (+2), Rapport (+2), Will (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Notice (+1)
The Hunter and the Hunted
Agent Sarah Cross
High Concept: Government Agent Tracking Supernatural Threats
Trouble: Official Channels Move Too Slowly
Other Aspects:
- Reluctant Alliance with Vampire Diana
- Knowledge is the Ultimate Weapon
- Protecting Humanity at All Costs
Skills: Investigate (+4), Shoot (+3), Athletics (+3), Lore (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Fight (+1), Stealth (+1)
Diana Blackthorne
High Concept: Vampire Seeking Redemption
Trouble: The Beast Within Never Sleeps
Other Aspects:
- Uneasy Alliance with Agent Cross
- Centuries of Guilt and Regret
- Knows the Supernatural Underground
Skills: Fight (+4), Athletics (+3), Stealth (+3), Contacts (+2), Intimidate (+2), Lore (+2), Deceive (+1), Empathy (+1), Notice (+1), Physique (+1)
Three-Character Teams
These trios represent balanced teams with complementary skills and interesting interpersonal dynamics.
The Heist Crew
Maya "The Architect" Patel
High Concept: Master Planner of Impossible Heists
Trouble: Every Plan Has a Weakness
Other Aspects:
- Leader of the Heist Crew
- Three Steps Ahead of Everyone
- Loyal to Her Team Above All
Skills: Investigate (+4), Lore (+3), Notice (+3), Contacts (+2), Deceive (+2), Will (+2), Academics (+1), Burglary (+1), Crafts (+1), Rapport (+1)
Rex "Boom" Johnson
High Concept: Demolitions Expert with Artistic Flair
Trouble: Sometimes Things Go REALLY Big
Other Aspects:
- Muscle of Maya's Heist Crew
- Controlled Chaos is Still Control
- Former Military Engineer
Skills: Crafts (+4), Fight (+3), Athletics (+3), Drive (+2), Notice (+2), Physique (+2), Burglary (+1), Investigate (+1), Shoot (+1), Will (+1)
Casey "Ghost" Lin
High Concept: Infiltration Specialist and Face
Trouble: Too Many Identities to Keep Track
Other Aspects:
- Heart of Maya's Heist Crew
- Every Face Tells a Story
- Searching for Their True Identity
Skills: Deceive (+4), Rapport (+3), Stealth (+3), Athletics (+2), Burglary (+2), Empathy (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Resources (+1)
The Paranormal Investigators
Dr. Amanda Foster
High Concept: Skeptical Scientist Studying the Impossible
Trouble: Logic Doesn't Explain Everything
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Paranormal Investigation Team
- Every Phenomenon Has an Explanation
- Protecting Others from Dangerous Knowledge
Skills: Academics (+4), Investigate (+3), Lore (+3), Will (+2), Notice (+2), Rapport (+2), Crafts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Resources (+1)
Father Miguel Santos
High Concept: Catholic Priest Who Battles True Evil
Trouble: Faith Tested by Horrible Truths
Other Aspects:
- Spiritual Guide to Investigation Team
- Light Shines Brightest in Darkness
- Protector of the Innocent
Skills: Will (+4), Empathy (+3), Lore (+3), Rapport (+2), Athletics (+2), Fight (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Investigate (+1), Notice (+1)
Luna Blackwood
High Concept: Third-Generation Psychic Medium
Trouble: The Dead Don't Like Being Ignored
Other Aspects:
- Bridge Between Worlds for the Team
- Grandmother's Spirit Guide
- Overwhelmed by Supernatural Sensitivity
Skills: Empathy (+4), Notice (+3), Lore (+3), Will (+2), Contacts (+2), Investigate (+2), Academics (+1), Athletics (+1), Rapport (+1), Stealth (+1)
The Freelance Troubleshooters
Captain Jack Sullivan
High Concept: Former Military Officer Turned Mercenary
Trouble: Old Loyalties Die Hard
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Freelance Operation
- No Job Too Dangerous for the Right Price
- Haunted by Past Command Decisions
Skills: Fight (+4), Shoot (+3), Athletics (+3), Drive (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Contacts (+1), Investigate (+1), Physique (+1), Rapport (+1)
Dr. Priya Sharma
High Concept: Field Medic and Technical Specialist
Trouble: Oath to Do No Harm in Violent World
Other Aspects:
- Support Specialist for the Team
- Technology and Medicine Save Lives
- Seeking to Fund Refugee Medical Clinics
Skills: Lore (+4), Crafts (+3), Empathy (+3), Will (+2), Academics (+2), Investigate (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Rapport (+1)
Zara "Wildcard" Al-Rashid
High Concept: Unpredictable Infiltration Expert
Trouble: Chaos is My Middle Name
Other Aspects:
- Wild Card of the Operation
- Adapts to Any Situation
- Searching for Missing Brother
Skills: Deceive (+4), Stealth (+3), Athletics (+3), Burglary (+2), Contacts (+2), Rapport (+2), Drive (+1), Fight (+1), Notice (+1), Resources (+1)
The Urban Fantasy Pack
Alpha Marcus Stone
High Concept: Werewolf Alpha Protecting His Pack
Trouble: Old Wolf Ways in New World
Other Aspects:
- Leader of the Urban Pack
- Pack Loyalty Above All
- Struggling with Human Politics
Skills: Fight (+4), Athletics (+3), Intimidate (+3), Survival (+2), Will (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Physique (+1)
Selene Nightshade
High Concept: Witch Practicing Urban Magic
Trouble: Ancient Power, Modern Problems
Other Aspects:
- Magical Advisor to the Pack
- Balance Between Nature and City
- Keeper of Old Traditions
Skills: Lore (+4), Will (+3), Crafts (+3), Empathy (+2), Investigation (+2), Notice (+2), Academics (+1), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Stealth (+1)
Danny "Runner" Cross
High Concept: Human Courier for Supernatural Community
Trouble: In Over My Head But Too Stubborn to Quit
Other Aspects:
- Bridge Between Human and Pack World
- Fast Feet, Faster Mouth
- Proving Worth to Supernatural Friends
Skills: Drive (+4), Athletics (+3), Contacts (+3), Notice (+2), Rapport (+2), Stealth (+2), Burglary (+1), Deceive (+1), Empathy (+1), Investigate (+1)
Four-Character Teams
Classic adventuring parties with diverse skills and balanced team dynamics.
The Corporate Espionage Team
Director Angela Hayes
High Concept: Corporate Intelligence Director
Trouble: Playing All Sides Against the Middle
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Corporate Espionage Cell
- Information is the Ultimate Currency
- Protecting Company Secrets at All Costs
Skills: Deceive (+4), Contacts (+3), Resources (+3), Rapport (+2), Investigate (+2), Will (+2), Academics (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Notice (+1)
Erik "Cipher" Volkov
High Concept: Corporate Hacker and Data Analyst
Trouble: Paranoid About Digital Surveillance
Other Aspects:
- Technical Specialist for Hayes Team
- Every System Has a Backdoor
- Former Government Contractor
Skills: Crafts (+4), Investigate (+3), Lore (+3), Academics (+2), Burglary (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Deceive (+1), Drive (+1), Stealth (+1)
Agent Yuki Tanaka
High Concept: Corporate Security Specialist
Trouble: Honor Code in Dishonorable Business
Other Aspects:
- Enforcement Arm of Hayes Team
- Precision Over Brutality
- Seeking to Prove Worth to Family
Skills: Fight (+4), Stealth (+3), Athletics (+3), Shoot (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Burglary (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Investigate (+1)
Isabella "Charm" Rodriguez
High Concept: Social Engineer and Corporate Infiltrator
Trouble: Too Many Masks, Losing the Real Me
Other Aspects:
- Face of Hayes Corporate Team
- Everyone Has a Weakness
- Searching for Authentic Connections
Skills: Rapport (+4), Deceive (+3), Empathy (+3), Resources (+2), Contacts (+2), Athletics (+2), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Stealth (+1), Will (+1)
The Supernatural Task Force
Commander Sarah Mitchell
High Concept: Military Commander of Supernatural Defense Unit
Trouble: Fighting Enemies That Don't Follow Rules of War
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Paranormal Task Force
- Adapt and Overcome Any Threat
- Protecting Humanity from the Unknown
Skills: Fight (+4), Shoot (+3), Athletics (+3), Will (+2), Drive (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Investigate (+1), Physique (+1), Rapport (+1)
Dr. Benjamin Cavendish
High Concept: Occult Scholar and Paranormal Researcher
Trouble: Academic Theory Meets Deadly Reality
Other Aspects:
- Knowledge Specialist for Task Force
- Every Mystery Has a Solution
- Fascinated by Supernatural Phenomena
Skills: Lore (+4), Academics (+3), Investigate (+3), Will (+2), Crafts (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Rapport (+1)
Maria Santos
High Concept: Psychic Consultant and Spiritual Advisor
Trouble: Visions Don't Come with Instructions
Other Aspects:
- Supernatural Asset for Task Force
- Bridge Between Human and Spirit Worlds
- Struggling with Overwhelming Psychic Input
Skills: Empathy (+4), Notice (+3), Lore (+3), Will (+2), Investigate (+2), Rapport (+2), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Stealth (+1)
Agent Kyle Morrison
High Concept: Tech Support and Equipment Specialist
Trouble: Technology Fails When Magic Gets Involved
Other Aspects:
- Technical Support for Task Force
- There's an App for Everything
- Youngest Member Proving Himself
Skills: Crafts (+4), Drive (+3), Shoot (+3), Academics (+2), Investigate (+2), Notice (+2), Athletics (+1), Burglary (+1), Contacts (+1), Lore (+1)
The International Art Recovery Team
Dr. Catherine Pembroke
High Concept: Art Historian Leading Recovery Operations
Trouble: Every Piece Has a Dark History
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Art Recovery Team
- Beauty Belongs to All Humanity
- Haunted by Lost Masterpieces
Skills: Academics (+4), Investigate (+3), Lore (+3), Contacts (+2), Notice (+2), Rapport (+2), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Resources (+1), Will (+1)
Inspector Jean-Claude Dubois
High Concept: French Police Art Crime Specialist
Trouble: Art Thieves Always One Step Ahead
Other Aspects:
- Law Enforcement Liaison for Team
- Justice Through Proper Channels
- Collecting Evidence for Perfect Cases
Skills: Investigate (+4), Contacts (+3), Notice (+3), Shoot (+2), Drive (+2), Rapport (+2), Athletics (+1), Academics (+1), Empathy (+1), Fight (+1)
Tomoko "Ghost" Yamamoto
High Concept: Reformed Art Thief and Security Expert
Trouble: Old Habits and Older Enemies
Other Aspects:
- Security Consultant for Recovery Team
- Every Defense Has a Weakness
- Seeking Redemption Through Service
Skills: Burglary (+4), Stealth (+3), Athletics (+3), Crafts (+2), Deceive (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Fight (+1), Resources (+1)
Dr. Amira Hassan
High Concept: Archaeological Conservator and Restoration Expert
Trouble: Perfection Takes Time We Don't Have
Other Aspects:
- Preservation Specialist for Team
- Every Artifact Tells a Story
- Protecting Cultural Heritage
Skills: Crafts (+4), Lore (+3), Academics (+3), Will (+2), Investigate (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Rapport (+1)
Five-Character Teams
Larger teams with specialized roles and complex group dynamics.
The Cyberpunk Street Team
Nyx "Mainframe" Chen
High Concept: Elite Netrunner and Data Liberation Specialist
Trouble: Corporate Black ICE Fried My Neural Interface
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Cyberpunk Street Team
- Information Should Be Free
- Hunted by Arasaka Corporation
Skills: Crafts (+4), Investigate (+3), Lore (+3), Academics (+2), Burglary (+2), Contacts (+2), Deceive (+1), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Stealth (+1)
Razor "Chrome" Williams
High Concept: Cybernetically Enhanced Street Samurai
Trouble: More Machine Than Human
Other Aspects:
- Muscle for Cyberpunk Team
- Honor in the Chaos
- Searching for Lost Humanity
Skills: Fight (+4), Athletics (+3), Shoot (+3), Physique (+2), Intimidate (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Stealth (+1), Will (+1)
Dr. Evelyn "Doc" Rodriguez
High Concept: Underground Medic and Cyber-Surgeon
Trouble: First Do No Harm, Even to Enemies
Other Aspects:
- Medical Support for Street Team
- Healing Both Flesh and Chrome
- Running Free Clinic in the Slums
Skills: Lore (+4), Crafts (+3), Empathy (+3), Will (+2), Investigate (+2), Notice (+2), Academics (+1), Contacts (+1), Rapport (+1), Resources (+1)
Mickey "Wire" O'Brien
High Concept: Tech Specialist and Gadget Genius
Trouble: Jury-Rigged Solutions Sometimes Explode
Other Aspects:
- Tech Support for Street Team
- Salvage and Repurpose Everything
- Former Corporate Engineer Gone Rogue
Skills: Crafts (+4), Academics (+3), Drive (+3), Burglary (+2), Investigate (+2), Lore (+2), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Notice (+1), Shoot (+1)
Luna "Siren" Vasquez
High Concept: Corporate Infiltrator and Social Engineer
Trouble: Too Many Identities, Losing the Real Me
Other Aspects:
- Face of the Street Team
- Every Corp Executive Has a Weakness
- Seeking Revenge for Family's Death
Skills: Deceive (+4), Rapport (+3), Resources (+3), Empathy (+2), Stealth (+2), Athletics (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Will (+1)
The Monster Hunting Squad
Captain Ruth Harker
High Concept: Veteran Monster Hunter and Squad Leader
Trouble: Too Many Friends Lost to the Darkness
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Monster Hunting Squad
- Protecting the Innocent Above All
- Haunted by Past Failures
Skills: Fight (+4), Shoot (+3), Athletics (+3), Will (+2), Notice (+2), Survival (+2), Drive (+1), Intimidate (+1), Investigate (+1), Lore (+1)
Professor Abraham Van Helsing III
High Concept: Third-Generation Monster Scholar
Trouble: Family Legacy is a Heavy Burden
Other Aspects:
- Lore Master for Hunting Squad
- Knowledge is the Key to Victory
- Keeper of Family Monster-Hunting Traditions
Skills: Lore (+4), Academics (+3), Investigate (+3), Will (+2), Crafts (+2), Contacts (+2), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Rapport (+1), Shoot (+1)
Sister Mary Catherine
High Concept: Warrior Nun of the Sacred Order
Trouble: Faith Tested by Cosmic Horrors
Other Aspects:
- Spiritual Warrior for Squad
- Light of Faith Banishes Darkness
- Vowed to Protect the Innocent
Skills: Fight (+4), Will (+3), Athletics (+3), Lore (+2), Empathy (+2), Rapport (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Shoot (+1)
Jake "Tracker" Crow-Dog
High Concept: Native American Tracker and Spirit Warrior
Trouble: Old Spirits Don't Understand Modern World
Other Aspects:
- Scout and Tracker for Squad
- Spirits Guide My Path
- Keeper of Ancient Wisdom
Skills: Survival (+4), Notice (+3), Athletics (+3), Stealth (+2), Lore (+2), Shoot (+2), Empathy (+1), Fight (+1), Investigate (+1), Will (+1)
Dr. Elizabeth Seward
High Concept: Forensic Pathologist and Monster Coroner
Trouble: Death Reveals Too Many Horrible Truths
Other Aspects:
- Forensic Specialist for Squad
- Every Death Tells a Story
- Seeking to Understand Monster Biology
Skills: Lore (+4), Investigate (+3), Academics (+3), Notice (+2), Empathy (+2), Will (+2), Contacts (+1), Crafts (+1), Drive (+1), Rapport (+1)
The Space Exploration Crew
Commander Sarah Chen
High Concept: Starship Captain and Deep Space Explorer
Trouble: The Responsibility of Command
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Deep Space Crew
- Boldly Going Where No One Has Gone
- Protecting Her Crew Above All
Skills: Drive (+4), Rapport (+3), Will (+3), Fight (+2), Investigate (+2), Notice (+2), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Lore (+1), Shoot (+1)
Dr. Zara Al-Rashid
High Concept: Xenobiologist and First Contact Specialist
Trouble: Fascination with Alien Life Clouds Judgment
Other Aspects:
- Science Officer for Space Crew
- Every Species Has Something to Teach
- Seeking Signs of Intelligent Life
Skills: Lore (+4), Academics (+3), Investigate (+3), Empathy (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Contacts (+1), Crafts (+1), Drive (+1), Rapport (+1)
Chief Engineer Pavel Volkov
High Concept: Brilliant Engineer Who Makes Miracles Happen
Trouble: Perfectionist in an Imperfect Universe
Other Aspects:
- Engineering Wizard for Space Crew
- Every Problem Has an Engineering Solution
- Keeping Ancient Starship Running
Skills: Crafts (+4), Academics (+3), Drive (+3), Lore (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Investigate (+1), Physique (+1)
Lieutenant Marcus Torres
High Concept: Ship's Security Chief and Combat Specialist
Trouble: Preparing for War in Peaceful Times
Other Aspects:
- Security Chief for Space Crew
- Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Safety
- Haunted by Combat Experience
Skills: Fight (+4), Shoot (+3), Athletics (+3), Notice (+2), Physique (+2), Will (+2), Drive (+1), Intimidate (+1), Investigate (+1), Survival (+1)
Dr. Kenji Nakamura
High Concept: Ship's Doctor and Psychological Counselor
Trouble: Healing Others While Ignoring Own Trauma
Other Aspects:
- Medical Officer for Space Crew
- Healing Both Body and Mind
- Carrying Guilt from Past Medical Failures
Skills: Lore (+4), Empathy (+3), Rapport (+3), Will (+2), Academics (+2), Investigate (+2), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Crafts (+1), Notice (+1)
Six-Character Teams
Large, diverse teams perfect for epic campaigns with multiple character interactions.
The International Conspiracy Investigation Unit
Director Alexandra Cross
High Concept: Intelligence Director Hunting Global Conspiracy
Trouble: Trust No One, Not Even Yourself
Other Aspects:
- Leader of International Investigation Unit
- Every Government Has Secrets
- Paranoid from Years of Counter-Intelligence
Skills: Investigate (+4), Contacts (+3), Deceive (+3), Will (+2), Notice (+2), Rapport (+2), Academics (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Shoot (+1)
Agent Dmitri Kozlov
High Concept: Former Spetsnaz Operative Turned Investigator
Trouble: Old Habits Die Hard, Enemies Die Harder
Other Aspects:
- Enforcement Specialist for Unit
- Violence is Just Another Tool
- Seeking Redemption for Past Black Ops
Skills: Fight (+4), Shoot (+3), Athletics (+3), Stealth (+2), Survival (+2), Will (+2), Drive (+1), Intimidate (+1), Notice (+1), Physique (+1)
Dr. Yuki Tanaka
High Concept: Cryptographer and Code-Breaking Genius
Trouble: Every Code Hides Darker Secrets
Other Aspects:
- Code Specialist for Investigation Unit
- Patterns Reveal Hidden Truths
- Obsessed with Unsolvable Ciphers
Skills: Academics (+4), Lore (+3), Investigate (+3), Crafts (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Resources (+1)
Maria Santos-Delgado
High Concept: Interpol Liaison and Criminal Psychology Expert
Trouble: Understanding Monsters Makes You Question Humanity
Other Aspects:
- Psychology Specialist for Unit
- Getting Inside Criminal Minds
- Fighting for Justice Across Borders
Skills: Empathy (+4), Investigate (+3), Rapport (+3), Contacts (+2), Lore (+2), Will (+2), Academics (+1), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Shoot (+1)
Hassan Al-Mahmoud
High Concept: Financial Investigator and Money Trail Expert
Trouble: Follow the Money Into Dark Places
Other Aspects:
- Financial Specialist for Unit
- Every Transaction Tells a Story
- Hunting Terrorist Funding Networks
Skills: Resources (+4), Investigate (+3), Academics (+3), Contacts (+2), Deceive (+2), Lore (+2), Drive (+1), Notice (+1), Rapport (+1), Will (+1)
Dr. Catherine Phillips
High Concept: Forensic Specialist and Evidence Analysis Expert
Trouble: Evidence Doesn't Lie, People Do
Other Aspects:
- Forensic Specialist for Unit
- Science Reveals the Truth
- Obsessed with Perfect Evidence Chain
Skills: Lore (+4), Investigate (+3), Academics (+3), Crafts (+2), Notice (+2), Will (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Empathy (+1), Rapport (+1)
The Superhero Team
Captain Justice (Rebecca Sterling)
High Concept: Super-Soldier Leading Hero Team
Trouble: The Weight of Everyone's Expectations
Other Aspects:
- Leader of Superhero Team
- With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
- Symbol of Hope for the City
Skills: Fight (+4), Athletics (+3), Will (+3), Physique (+2), Rapport (+2), Shoot (+2), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Investigate (+1), Notice (+1)
Dr. Marcus "Mind" Williams
High Concept: Telepathic Genius with Cosmic Intelligence
Trouble: Knowing Everyone's Thoughts is a Curse
Other Aspects:
- Psychic Specialist for Hero Team
- Knowledge is the Ultimate Superpower
- Protecting the Team's Mental Privacy
Skills: Lore (+4), Will (+3), Empathy (+3), Academics (+2), Investigate (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Crafts (+1), Drive (+1), Rapport (+1)
Elena "Shadowstrike" Vasquez
High Concept: Former Assassin Turned Vigilante Hero
Trouble: Dark Past Keeps Catching Up
Other Aspects:
- Stealth Specialist for Hero Team
- Redemption Through Heroic Action
- Dancing on the Edge of Darkness
Skills: Stealth (+4), Fight (+3), Athletics (+3), Shoot (+2), Burglary (+2), Notice (+2), Contacts (+1), Deceive (+1), Drive (+1), Will (+1)
Tommy "Techno" Chen
High Concept: Teenage Tech Genius with Power Armor
Trouble: Too Young to Understand Real Consequences
Other Aspects:
- Tech Support for Hero Team
- Technology Can Solve Any Problem
- Proving Worth to Older Heroes
Skills: Crafts (+4), Academics (+3), Drive (+3), Shoot (+2), Lore (+2), Will (+2), Athletics (+1), Contacts (+1), Investigate (+1), Notice (+1)
Dr. Sarah "Lifeline" Blackwood
High Concept: Healing-Powered Emergency Responder
Trouble: Can't Save Everyone, But Must Try
Other Aspects:
- Medical Support for Hero Team
- Every Life Has Infinite Value
- Haunted by Those She Couldn't Heal
Skills: Lore (+4), Empathy (+3), Will (+3), Rapport (+2), Athletics (+2), Notice (+2), Academics (+1), Contacts (+1), Drive (+1), Investigate (+1)
Jake "Powerhouse" Morrison
High Concept: Super-Strong Brawler with Heart of Gold
Trouble: Strength Can't Solve Every Problem
Other Aspects:
- Heavy Hitter for Hero Team
- Gentle Giant Unless Pushed Too Far
- Protecting the Little Guy
Skills: Physique (+4), Fight (+3), Athletics (+3), Will (+2), Drive (+2), Rapport (+2), Contacts (+1), Empathy (+1), Investigate (+1), Notice (+1)
How to Use These Characters in Your Games
For Game Masters
These characters can serve multiple purposes in your Fate campaigns:
- Ready-to-Play NPCs: Use any character as an instant supporting character or ally
- Relationship Inspiration: The pre-built team dynamics suggest natural story hooks
- Quick Character Generation: Let players choose and customize these templates
- Backup Characters: When a player character dies, they can quickly grab a replacement
- Antagonist Templates: Flip the motivation of any character to create interesting villains
For Players
Use these characters as starting points for your own creations:
- Direct Play: Choose a character that appeals to you and jump right in
- Customization Base: Take the framework and modify aspects to fit your vision
- Relationship Building: Choose characters from the same team for built-in party dynamics
- Mix and Match: Combine characters from different groups for unique team compositions
Campaign Integration Tips
These characters work best when their existing relationships and backgrounds are woven into the campaign's central mysteries and conflicts. Consider how their troubles can become plot hooks and how their high concepts can drive the story forward.
Character Development and Advancement
All characters are designed at the "experienced" level typical for starting Fate campaigns. As they grow, consider these advancement directions:
Skill Advancement
Characters can improve their skills or gain new stunts based on their experiences. For example, a character who frequently engages in social situations might improve their Rapport or gain social-focused stunts.
Aspect Evolution
Aspects should change to reflect character growth. A "rookie cop" might become a "seasoned detective," or someone "haunted by past failures" might find "redemption through heroic sacrifice."
Stunt Development
New stunts should reflect the character's growing expertise or developing relationships. Consider stunts that:
- Reflect specialized training or experience
- Represent important relationships with other characters
- Showcase unique approaches to problem-solving
- Highlight signature moves or techniques
Adapting Characters Across Genres
Many of these characters can be adapted to different settings with minimal changes:
Modern to Historical
A "Corporate Hacker" becomes a "Telegraph Operator and Code Breaker" in a Victorian setting. The core concept of information gathering and technical expertise remains the same.
Urban to Fantasy
A "Street Artist Fighting Gentrification" could become a "Court Bard Challenging Noble Corruption" in a medieval fantasy setting.
Realistic to Supernatural
A "Detective Investigating Cold Cases" might discover those cases involve supernatural elements, gradually becoming a "Paranormal Investigator."
Storytelling Techniques for Character-Driven Narratives
The Aspect Web
Create connections between character aspects to build rich story webs. When one character's trouble intersects with another's high concept, you have natural story tension and collaboration opportunities.
Compel Chains
Use character troubles to create "compel chains" where one character's complication creates a situation that compels another character's aspects, creating a domino effect of dramatic situations.
Shared Histories
Even characters from different groups can have shared histories. Perhaps the "Reformed Art Thief" once stole a piece the "Art Historian" was trying to recover, creating an instant tension and history between characters from different teams.
Real-World Inspiration
These character archetypes draw from countless sources in literature, film, and television. Consider how characters like Sherlock Holmes (analytical detective), Ocean's Eleven (heist specialists), or The Avengers (superhero team) have been portrayed across different media for additional inspiration.
Practical Applications
Convention Gaming
These characters are perfect for convention one-shots where you need to get into action quickly. Print character sheets for a full team and let players choose roles that appeal to them.
Campaign Arcs
Use different character groups for different story arcs within a longer campaign. Players might start as the "Heist Crew" but later transition to the "Paranormal Investigators" as the story reveals supernatural elements.
Teaching New Players
These pre-generated characters help new players understand how Fate aspects work in practice. They can see how high concepts suggest capabilities, how troubles create interesting complications, and how other aspects provide roleplay hooks.
Inspiration for Original Characters
Even experienced players can use these as starting points, mixing and matching elements to create something new. Take the "Urban Shaman's" spiritual connection with the "Tech Prodigy's" modern problems to create a character struggling with ancient magic in a digital world.
Further Resources and Exploration
Related Topics to Explore
- Fate Point Economy: How these character aspects create natural fate point flows
- Setting Creation: Building worlds that support these character types
- NPC Relationships: Creating supporting characters that complement these archetypes
- Campaign Themes: Matching character groups to appropriate story themes
- Cross-Genre Play: Using these characters in settings different from their apparent origins
Character Interaction Matrix
Consider how characters from different groups might interact. A "Corporate Hacker" and a "Monster Hunter" might seem incompatible, but what if corporate databases contain information about supernatural cover-ups? These unexpected combinations often create the most interesting stories.
Long-Term Campaign Integration
Plan how these characters' backgrounds can become major plot elements. The "Reformed Assassin's" former employers, the "Art Historian's" lost masterpieces, or the "Psychic Medium's" family legacy can all become central to overarching campaign narratives.
Conclusion
These 100+ sample characters represent just the beginning of what's possible in Fate RPG. Each character is designed to be both mechanically functional and narratively rich, providing immediate playability while leaving room for customization and growth.
Remember that in Fate, the most important element isn't the numbers on the character sheet—it's the story potential embedded in every aspect. These characters are tools for creating memorable adventures, exploring interesting relationships, and telling the stories that matter to you and your group.
Whether you're a game master looking for quick NPCs, a player seeking inspiration, or a group wanting to jump straight into action, these characters provide the foundation for countless adventures. Take them, modify them, combine them, and most importantly—use them to create amazing stories.
The best character is the one that excites you to play and creates stories you want to tell. Use these samples as your starting point, but never forget that the most important aspect of any character is the one that makes you eager to find out what happens next.