First, let me tell you what this class is not. This is not a class to tell you who was Pope during 1393 or who reigned in France in 1576 (actually, that was Henry.) It won't tell you the name of any country in Africa, nor show you what they were wearing in Spain.
To do this, we will explore the drama of your persona's life. It may not seem like it, but every life has drama in it. We don't actually have to make up the drama of everyday life that we live every day. What we have to do today is discover the history of the person you become on weekends, the one who camps in that tent and wears that garb, but who possibly dreams of pavilions and medallions and spurs and crowns.
Here is a list of things you need to determine for your persona:
- Are both your parents alive?
If not, how did they die?
Was it natural causes, like childbirth or disease, or was it foul play?
Are you broken up about their death, or were you relieved? - Do you have any siblings?
If so, how many brothers and/or sisters?
Are you the only child of your sex?
Is this significant?
How many of your siblings are alive now?
If any are dead, was foul play responsible, or at least suspected?
What are they doing now?
Do you wish to follow in their footsteps?
Are you on good terms with them, or would they kill you if they saw you? - Have you ever been married?
Are you still?
Are they alive?
Was the marriage arranged?
Were you happy with this if it was?
Do you still see the person regularly, or have they joined a crusade or a merchant ship or minstrel troupe for the season?
Are you okay with this arrangement? - Do you have any children?
Do you know where they are these days?
How many children have you had total, including those who have died?
Can you have any more children with this partner?
Is this a problem with them? - Have you ever been away from home before?
Are you away from home now?
How often have you traveled?
Do you plan to travel in the future? - Do you have a lover right now?
Have you ever had a lover?
Is this lover of the opposite sex? - Can you read?
If so, did you learn to read at home or at a monastery/convent?
Have you been allowed to study at a University?
Does your family approve of this? - Do you work for anyone?
Does anyone work for you? - Do you ever go out at night?
Is there anyone who knows you by a name other than your real one? - What are your goals?
Well, that's about it!
With this guide at your fingertips, you'll be able to write your own history, insert intrigue at your whim, and develop your persona so anyone looking at your tapestry will marvel at its intricacy!
