Characters' mental issues

[Samantha Weltzin]

In the search for character development, one option that's rarely taken is giving a character some sort of neurosis. This topic is meant to list some of the main characters of StarFox and see if we could pin some mental problems on them. This is purely an exploratory topic, so it's not like these are problems that the characters -actually- have, but ones they -could- have to make them more interesting. That said, here are some ideas I had:

He's had a really rough life, most of it having to do with people close to him being killed or hurt. He actually manifests an overprotective nature in Command. So I think it would make sense to give him a severe phobia of loss. Like, more than any normal person would. I'd like to see him driven nearly to the point of kamikaze suicide trying to protect someone close to him.

I think autism fits this guy pretty well. Given stereotypical autistic symptoms, he already kinda fits it: He has trouble reading people and their reactions, and he's somewhat of a prodigy. I'd just like to see it taken a step further and make it so that he barely understands people at all except through extreme effort on his own part. Nothing social comes naturally to him, and his growth and development could come from trying to learn it, like a foreign language.

The early onset of Alzheimer's. Duh. The reason he keeps telling people to barrel roll is because he forgot he just said it a minute ago. I'd also like to see him regale us with tales of his past, even if he does it a couple times.

Nymphomania. He's the Sex God after all. 'Nuff said. 

This one I think really ought to be implemented, but she should have some severe abandonment issues. If you think Fox's life sucks, hers is 100X worse unless she's made of emotional steel, which she has already been proven not to be. I'd like to see the "Fox kicks out Krystal" scene from Command played out in great detail where she begs and pleads, holding onto Fox's leg and saying things like, "You guys are the only family I have!" and the like. Honestly, it could make for a touching scene, and it could play into every facet of her own character development in various scenarios. Also, as a telepath, she could develop some severe schizophrenia, being unable to tell if the voices in her head are real people's thoughts or her brain's creations.

Narcissism. He's so confident in his own abilities, and he never seems to acknowledge his losses, so why not just make him a complete self-lover? If you want to go the "gay" route with him, as some have suggested, show him posing in front of a mirror in nothing but boxers and blowing a kiss to himself. If nothing else, it'd be hilarious.

He's already more or less like this, but I could see him as a sociopath. The only reason he's with Wolf isn't loyalty or anything like that; it's more like he's with Wolf waiting for a chance to best him and take over the group. If you stick a nasty creature like that in an organization, it changes the whole dynamic and makes for some very interesting scenarios.

I already used nymphomaniac and narcissist (both of them would fit well), so the next best thing would be a compulsive liar. He likes to boast, it seems, but what if everything he said was just a fabrication? "All who see my rose meet death" was an obvious lie, unless you add the word "eventually" on there, so why not just be a HUGE talker with nothing to back it up at all? He'd become more of a comedic relief, but that's not a bad thing.

Andross: Megalomania, of course. He's already got it. Wanting to rule an entire solar system is pretty grandiose.

So what are some thoughts you guys have? I can think of others, but I left 'em open so other people could respond as well and give some reasons.

[Vy'drach]

I could see Panther's constant craving for female attention coming from a poor relationship with his mother, thus the need to replicate female companionship that he never got from her. Sort of a gender reversed situation like this.

As for the others, I agree with you, Samantha.

[Samantha Weltzin]

Hah! I like it, and I could see that too.

[Zzz]

I <3 this thread, Samantha.

Awesome idea

I'll just sit and watch what you guys are gonna write in here

[Andross]

I think, has more of a depression of some sort, he is so low that the only way that he sees that he can make a name for himself is by taking out StarFox, the hard cocky persona is a mere shell to deflect from his actual incredible low esteem. Because of this, he is obsessed with Fox's destruction, and even when he gets into the clear with the law, (i.e. after Assault) his depression and self-loathing quickly drag him back under again (by command). At the ending of StarWolf Returns, he realises that even though he's finally gone 1-up on Fox, he still feels empty...

A complete and utter Narcissist

I think it's more likely he just has severe ADHD

I like all the rest...  :D

[Samantha Weltzin]

I think, has more of a depression of some sort, he is so low that the only way that he sees that he can make a name for himself is by taking out StarFox, the hard cocky persona is a mere shell to deflect from his actual incredible low esteem. Because of this, he is obsessed with Fox's destruction, and even when he gets into the clear with the law, (i.e. after Assault) his depression and self-loathing quickly drag him back under again (by command). At the ending of StarWolf Returns, he realises that even though he's finally gone 1-up on Fox, he still feels empty...

A complete and utter Narcissist

I think it's more likely he just has severe ADHD

I like all the rest...  :D

That Wolf one especially is really well thought-out. Definitely better than the one I had for him, honestly. Nice job!

I <3 this thread, Samantha.

Awesome idea

I'll just sit and watch what you guys are gonna write in here

Thanks! I think it could be productive. Feel free to join in if it gets slow, though! :D

[Matrilwood]

Most characters in Starfox series are narcissists to a certain extent. Although Andros and Pepper are just megalomaniacs.

is a misogynist.

has only child syndrome

has been detached from civilization for so long that he thinks he's in love with the first girl he meets.

and have self esteem issues.

has dimentia.

[Redeemer]

This one I think really ought to be implemented, but she should have some severe abandonment issues. If you think Fox's life sucks, hers is 100X worse unless she's made of emotional steel, which she has already been proven not to be. I'd like to see the "Fox kicks out Krystal" scene from Command played out in great detail where she begs and pleads, holding onto Fox's leg and saying things like, "You guys are the only family I have!" and the like. Honestly, it could make for a touching scene, and it could play into every facet of her own character development in various scenarios. Also, as a telepath, she could develop some severe schizophrenia, being unable to tell if the voices in her head are real people's thoughts or her brain's creations.

[Guest DRL]

Andross: Megalomania, of course. He's already got it. Wanting to rule an entire solar system is pretty grandiose.

Who does not wants a Solar System for themselves? (I do, that is for sure  ).

Also: Good thoughts. I would really love to see the one about Peppy.

Man that would be awesome... not, AWEC00L.

[Samantha Weltzin]

Most characters in Starfox series are narcissists to a certain extent. Although Andros and Pepper are just megalomaniacs.

is a misogynist.

has only child syndrome

has been detached from civilization for so long that he thinks he's in love with the first girl he meets.

and have self esteem issues.

has dimentia.

I love these. Awesome.

THAT is amazing. Pretty much how I picture her in her worst elements. Also, I like how Fara's still wearing her helmet.

Who does not wants a Solar System for themselves? (I do, that is for sure  ).

Also: Good thoughts. I would really love to see the one about Peppy.

Man that would be awesome... not, AWEC00L.

If it means anything, I don't want a solar system to myself. Too much of a pain in the butt to take care of. :3

[Matrilwood]

I think Krystal is more inclined to just kill Fox (And Fara) in his sleep.

[Redeemer]

THAT is amazing. Pretty much how I picture her in her worst elements. Also, I like how Fara's still wearing her helmet.

Hehe, yeah, it was drawn by FredrykPhox. Took me ages to find it in his topic but I reckon it was worth the effort. ;)

[Samantha Weltzin]

Hehe, yeah, it was drawn by FredrykPhox. Took me ages to find it in his topic but I reckon it was worth the effort.

I'm inclined to agree. Thanks for dredging it up.

I think Krystal is more inclined to just kill Fox (And Fara) in his sleep.

You have no idea how close you came to some of the darker scenarios I've come up with surrounding Krystal. Awesome.

[Samantha Weltzin]

Aw, man, I love this topic. Just saying. <3

I actually think maybe Fox would develop temperamental issues. As in the comics, he seems to get hot-headed easily and quickly become emotional in a way that can be described as a bit violent. Pent-up anger about the death of his parents and the stress of having to manage a team could get to him.

FFFLOL

Oh dear. For Panther, I think it is quite the opposite. I do agree with was Vydrach said-- more like a more intense want for female attention rather than wanting none.

For Wolf, I guess that could be true. I mean, you could also just say he's lonely.

I doubt that Falco has self esteem issues. xD Seems logical though for him to have temper problems too. I think autism fits him very well, though.

I'd think of Leon as being somewhat of a sadist or masochist. I won't elaborate on that. |D

Yeah, I could see all those working. After all, this is a hypothetical, not what's actually the case (in most cases).

As for Leon...I'm thinking his infamous cameo in Smash Bros. Brawl when you say that. :D

[ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987]

In relation to this thread, I've got this to say:

Personally I prefer the air...*falls asleep, wakes up again* Personally I prefer the air...*continues pattern*

Fox....

*fidgeting* Y-Y-Yes?

I've got the madness!!

I've got it too!!

I got cabin fever it's burning in my brain

I've got cabin fever it's driving me insane

We got cabin fever, we're flipping our bandanas

Been stuck at sea so long we have simply gone bananas

Ariba!

Chica chica boom

A chica chica boom boom chic

Chica chica boom

A chica chica boom boom chic

We got cabin fever we've lost what sense we had

We got cabin fever, we're all going mad

My sanity is hanging by a thread

Since we're going nowhere I've gone out of my head

We were sailing sailing over the bounding main

And now we're not! Ha ha heh!

Grab your partner by the ears

Lash him to the wheel

Do-si-do step on his toe

Listen to him squeal

Allemande left, allemande right

It's time to sail or sink

Swing your partner over the side

Drop him in the drink

We got cabin fever

No if's, and's, or but's

We're disoriented

And demented

And a little nuts

Ach du lieber Volswagen car

(Yodel-lay-ee-hoo)

Saur braten viener schnitzel

Und a vunder bar

(Yodel-lay-ee-hoo)

We were sailing, sailing the wind was on our side

And then it died

I've got cabin fever

I think I've lost my grip

I'd like to get my hands on

Whoever wrote this script

Si!

I was floating 'neath a tropic moon

And dreaming of a blue lagoon

Now I'm crazy as a loon

Cabin fever has ravaged all aboard

This once proud vessel has become a floating psycho ward

We were sailing, sailing headed who knows where

And now though we're all here

We're not all there

Cabin fever!

Anyway, silly singing aside, I agree that Fox may be mentally ill from losing so many close friends and loved ones, with Krystal it might be so much worse that she cries herself to sleep, Slippy's not quite THAT stupid, yes to Falco being an idiot and Leon being a narcissist, but Wolf and Panther are both probably SUPER ULTRA MEGA NARCISSISTS!! Peppy I don't know about.

[Samantha Weltzin]

That...must have taken a long time to write. :O

[JLCL00]

...I love this topic.

I really like reading through what people have to say about each character's supposed mental issues based upon events that have happened in the game/comic/etc. It really fleshes out the characters and make them more rateable/sympathetic/etc. It's similar to how some people are able to turn the bland Sonichu characters into beings you can care about.

And now here's a fitting song for this topic only some will get:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uxy_cHjzEU

[Matrilwood]

Andros thinks there is a demon inside his head telling him that he must destroy Cornaria or the universe will end.

Pepper thinks there is an angel inside his head telling him that he must destroy Venom or the universe will end.

[Samantha Weltzin]

Andros thinks there is a demon inside his head telling him that he must destroy Cornaria or the universe will end.

Pepper thinks there is an angel inside his head telling him that he must destroy Venom or the universe will end.

Verrrry nice. :D

[JLCL00]

Andros thinks there is a demon inside his head telling him that he must destroy Cornaria or the universe will end.

Pepper thinks there is an angel inside his head telling him that he must destroy Venom or the universe will end.

Both destroy each other = All's right with the worl-...er universe.

[Samantha Weltzin]

Both destroy each other = All's right with the worl-...er universe.

Until the next megalomaniac comes along in a couple months.  :D

[ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987]

Leon I'm sure is borderline Jack Nicholson, with a touch of Charles Manson.

[BANAN3RZ]

Gonna have to disagree with one in particular.

I don't think he's autistic. Trust me. I've been with autistic kids as long as I can remember, as my mother has worked with them quite a bit. Falco seems more like the kid that everyone picked on when he was smaller, and now that he's really developed his talent and has become an adult, he feels the need to stand out, and have everyone notice that skill and admire it. I would have to say ADHD if anything else, and probably a bit immature, hence why he has a little trouble dealing with certain situations.

[CrypticQuery]

Gonna have to disagree with one in particular.

I don't think he's autistic. Trust me. I've been with autistic kids as long as I can remember, as my mother has worked with them quite a bit. Falco seems more like the kid that everyone picked on when he was smaller, and now that he's really developed his talent and has become an adult, he feels the need to stand out, and have everyone notice that skill and admire it. I would have to say ADHD if anything else, and probably a bit immature, hence why he has a little trouble dealing with certain situations.

I'd have to agree with this statement wholeheartedly

I kinda find it surprising that Fox is quite level-headed, considering both of his parents were killed by nothing less than a giant monkey's head .  Maybe he could suffer from some type of insanity triggered by selective circumstances? O_o

[Samantha Weltzin]

Gonna have to disagree with one in particular.

I don't think he's autistic. Trust me. I've been with autistic kids as long as I can remember, as my mother has worked with them quite a bit. Falco seems more like the kid that everyone picked on when he was smaller, and now that he's really developed his talent and has become an adult, he feels the need to stand out, and have everyone notice that skill and admire it. I would have to say ADHD if anything else, and probably a bit immature, hence why he has a little trouble dealing with certain situations.

Oh, I don't believe most of these -actually- fit the characters themselves. I just said that people could take Falco's personality as it is and take it, like, three steps further and that's what we'd wind up with. These are mostly hypotheticals, so it's not like they're "right" or "wrong."