Same Character, Different Game - Part 2 - Making It Different

Yesterday we talked about the reasons why a player might want to bring a character they've already played into a different game, or at least four of them. Today I want to look at the player side of things. Namely, I want to touch on a few things you want to recognize, and a few things you might want to try to keep it fresh and exciting for everyone at the game table. So, let's begin.

Know Your Reason
I know I said yesterday's post was for the GMs, but there is something important there for you too. You need to know why you are bringing this character into this game. You'd need to know this, ideally, if it was a brand new character, but with an established character it becomes even more important. Do they just match the feel the best? Are you not done with the character? Do you want to try them with a different build? Whatever the reason, you want to know it. Then, talk to your GM about it and make sure that you'll get what you actually want out of the game. After all, if you're not going to get what you want out of it, what is the point?

Shake It Up
Now that you know what you want out of the game, shake up the concept a little bit for the new game. Playing a carbon copy can work, but it is more fun if there are some slight differences around the core personality. It gives you room to be flexible, and it gives the GM a few new ways to latch onto your character. Afterall, if you're playing the exact same character than the person plot will be the exact same, and that can be boring for everyone. If you change a few small things though, the character can go in new and interesting directions. You still get to be playing the same character, sure, but the game itself is different which keeps things fresh.

Respect The Game
Don't just force your character into the new game. This goes along with shaking things up, but if your superhero is an alien and the GM has asked for a mutant game, then make your character a mutant. If you normally are evil and the GM wants good, then change that as well. Like I said, very similar to shaking it up, but the point here is to not be going agaisnt the desired trends in the game. This applies for every character not just the remakes, but in my experience the remakes tend to be the worst with breaking some aspect of the game because the player says "well, this is how the character is. You knew that when you allowed him." Simply put, not cool.

Bring Something To The Table
By playing an established character you have a leg up on the rest of the players. You've already established your character, at least in the minds of the other players if not their characters, and so you're starting a bit ahead of the curve. Use that advantage to bring something to the table. Be a go-getter, or help to bring the other characters into focus. Help the other players establish just who they're playing, even if only by contrast to how your character works. Use your character that you know well to help them get to know their character, and in turn the whole game can get to some of the more awesome parts that much faster.