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The Alter Ego Effect

Character Traits Inspiration

Consider the challenges of your specific Field of Play; chances are, you’re wanting to build out an Alter Ego that can respond to them. If you need help generating ideas for your Alter Ego, you’re in the right place.

The list of ideas below will help get the wheels turning so you can identify your perfect secret identity. As you peruse this list, remember this list is far from exhaustive and each person can see something different in an individual, character, or object. Your Alter Ego may even live in someone you know personally. Think about your family, friends, mentors, teachers, colleagues, and classmates. These individuals may provide you with the inspiration you need to step onto the Field of Play with confidence. 

None of the descriptions is written in stone, and thanks to the power of perception, you bring your own unique angle and interpretation to the table. Use the links below to jump to areas of interest. In addition,

TV or Movie Characters.

Spock (Star Trek)

The first officer of the Starship Enterprise, Spock is known for his calm, logical, and stoic nature.

James Bond (James Bond)

The hero of dozens of spy-themed adventures, James Bond is strong, independent, and capable.

Rocky (Rocky)

When faced with the seemingly impossible task of boxing the world heavyweight champion, Rocky Balboa meets the challenge with perseverance, heart, and determination.

Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)

Self-assured and confident, Barney Stinson always knows what to say.

Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones)

Archaeologist and professor Indiana Jones is well-known for his intelligence, bravery, and adventurous spirit.

Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)

Undaunted and optimistic, Leslie Knope tackles the red tape and bureaucracy of government with unceasing cheer.

Princess Leia (Star Wars)

An agent of the Rebel Alliance, Leia remains level-headed in a crisis, often relying on her strong will and blunt nature.

Buffy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

While balancing high school and vampire slaying, Buffy shows up as a natural leader who is stubborn and empathetic towards others.

Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess)

Undaunted by any number of challenges, Xena is well known for being fearless, decisive, and honest.

Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

Thoughtful, creative, and intelligent, Rory Gilmore is always ready with a quick quip or clever banter.

Literary Characters.

Sherlock (Sherlock Holmes)

Insightful, intelligent, and driven, detective Sherlock Holmes can solve any mystery he faces.

Harry Potter (Harry Potter)

Armed with loyalty, bravery, and determination, Harry Potter leads the charge in defeating the Dark Lord.

Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings)

The wizard Gandalf is often depicted as wise, patient, and cunning. He’s a powerful mentor and a magical force to be reckoned with.

Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)

This compassionate lawyer approaches conflict with honor, dignity, and respect. He’s level-headed and calm under pressure.

Holden Caulfield (Catcher in the Rye)

While often cynical and guarded, Holden is intelligent and has a rebellious streak.

Alice (Alice in Wonderland)

When whisked away to a world of whimsy, Alice approaches the unexpected situation with curiosity, generosity, and playfulness.

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

Forced to risk her life against her will, Katniss channels her anger and sense of loyalty into a force for innovation and compassion, ultimately becoming a figurehead and leader.

Arya Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Headstrong and rebellious, Arya defies traditional norms and uses intelligence and conviction to survive numerous trials.

Nancy Drew (Nancy Drew)

Despite her youth, Nancy Drew solves numerous mysteries by relying on her resourcefulness, creativity, and energetic nature.

Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)

Playful, smart, and witty, Elizabeth Bennet is determined to marry for love, rather than necessity.

Superheroes.

Iron Man / Tony Stark (Marvel Comics)

A billionaire inventor and weapons builder, Tony Stark’s superhero persona, Iron Man, is every bit as innovative, charismatic, and quick-witted as he is.

Wolverine (X-Men, Marvel Comics)

Despite a temper that often leads to fits of rage, Wolverine displays a deep loyalty for those he can trust.

Batman (DC Comics)

While Bruce Wayne is often characterized as a wealthy socialite, Batman is a mysterious loner, who uses his intelligence, drive, and resources to fight crime.

Wonder Woman / Diana (DC Comics)

A strong warrior and princess of the Amazons, Diana is an empathetic and honest person with a strong sense of righteousness and courage.

Captain America (Marvel Comics)

With a strong moral compass, Captain America is respectful and modest — as well as patriotic, of course.

Jessica Jones (Marvel Comics)

Known for her blunt, cynical nature, Jessica Jones is incredibly strong and resilient, as well as guarded.

Deadpool (Marvel Comics)

Unpredictable and often hilarious, Deadpool keeps his eyes on the prize and always keeps his enemies guessing.

Mystique (X-Men, Marvel Comics)

With the ability to shapeshift, Mystique is often seen as mysterious and enigmatic. She’s also intensely loyal and sometimes impulsive.

Black Panther (Marvel Comics)

Quiet and insightful, Black Panther displays a controlled confidence, sharp discipline and a ruthlessness when it comes to protecting what is important to him.

Hulk (Marvel Comics)

When Robert Bruce Banner loses his temper, watch out. He transforms into the Hulk: an unstoppable force of destruction, and nothing will stand in his way.

Animals.

Wolf

The wolf is seen in some cultures as a symbol of loyalty, trust, and family.

Lion

While a lion may represent many things, this “king of the jungle” is commonly thought of for its strength, courage, and leadership.

Hawk

With its top-down view of the world, the hawk is known for its insight. Some cultural traditions also associate the hawk with protection from enemies.

Bear

The bear is often used as a warrior’s symbol; one of strength, power, and bravery.

Bee

Living among its kind in giant hives, the bee has come to symbolize community, working together, and celebration.

Peacock

This bold creature is often used to represent self-confidence, leadership, and optimism.

Dolphin

Intelligent and fun-loving, the dolphin represents self-confidence, playfulness, and humor.

Turtle

Slow and steady, the long-lived turtle often is seen as a symbol of wisdom, endurance, and patience.

Unicorn

The mythological unicorn tends to be a symbol for innocence, chastity, and uniqueness.

Dragon

Another mythological creature, the dragon has appeared in East Asian cultures as a symbol of power, luck, and strength.

Cartoon and Anime Characters.

Lilo Pelekai (Lilo and Stitch)

Upbeat, creative, and full of energy, Lilo is accepting and incredibly loyal to family.

Steven Universe (Steven Universe)

With a strong moral compass, Steven Universe is empathetic and kind, and he’s always encouraging others to do what is right.

Jerry Mouse (Tom & Jerry)

Always on the run from Tom the cat, Jerry is quick-thinking and cunning. His intelligence allows him to escape danger.

Edward Elric (Full Metal Alchemist)

Strong-willed and loyal, Edward is protective over those he loves, particularly his brother, and would do anything for them.

Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Characterized as a dreamer, Belle often seeks out books in her search for adventure. She’s far from quiet, though. Unconventional and outspoken, Belle is never afraid to share what she’s thinking.

Moana (Moana)

Ready to face any challenge, Moana is headstrong and stubborn, with a deep appreciation for culture and tradition.

Turanga Leela (Futurama)

Self-reliant and friendly, Leela stands up for her beliefs and is unafraid to take action when necessary.

Carl Frederickson (UP)

While he’ll never be described as friendly or warm, Carl’s undeterred focus, sense of adventure, and hidden (but very present) empathy for others makes him a memorable, if a bit grumpy, choice of Alter Ego.

Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Non-violent and kind, Aang is a fun-loving character who tries to reason and find peace before fighting.

Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story)

A courageous and dedicated leader, Buzz Lightyear is sometimes impulsive, but always has a keen sense of right and wrong.

Historical Figures.

Winston Churchill

One of the world’s most renowned political figures, Winston Churchill was a strong leader with the willingness to take risks, be forthright, and persevere against all odds.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Baptist minister and one of the most well-known names in the American Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for nonviolence, intelligence, and empathy.

Napoleon Bonaparte

As the first Emperor of France, Napoleon is remembered for his ambition, dedication, and a willingness to do what must be done to succeed.

George Washington

The first president of the United States and renowned general, George Washington is remembered for his humble nature, strategic mind, and moral compass.

Amelia Earhart

Undeterred by stereotypes and limitations, Amelia Earhart is known for being a courageous, motivated, and determined airplane pilot.

Joan of Arc

A young woman of deep faith and incredible bravery, Joan of Arc is remembered as a fierce warrior who led armies and defied stereotypes.

Elizabeth I

Strong-willed and intelligent, Elizabeth I is a celebrated leader who reigned over England in the 1500s.

Rosa Parks

A powerful voice for Civil Rights, Rosa Parks is known for her bravery, determination, and integrity.

Marie Curie

The first woman to win a Nobel Prize, Marie Curie is known to have been an incredibly intelligent and resilient, believer in the power of her work to change the world for the better.

Mahatma Gandhi

Leader of the Indian independence movement, Gandhi is known for his unassuming but determined nature, ability to forgive, resilience, and for promoting love over hate.

Entertainers.

Jerry Seinfeld

Stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld is known for being quick-witted, sarcastic, and understated in his humor.

Denzel Washington

Actor, director, and producer, Denzel Washington is well-known for being a positive, upbeat, and inspiring man who makes friends easily.

Dwayne Johnson

While he began his career as a professional wrestler, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has become a well-known actor, revered for his determination, sense of humor, and athleticism.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Singer, songwriter, and dancer, Beyoncé is a captivating performer and an outspoken activist.

Freddie Mercury

Often ostentatious, but also deeply empathetic, Freddie Mercury’s legacy is one of unstoppable showmanship, out-of-the-box creativity, and energetic performances.

Audrey Hepburn

Altruistic, humble, and hard-working, Audrey Hepburn has become a fashion icon.

Oprah Winfrey

With a keen entrepreneurial sense, Oprah Winfrey is persistent, ambitious, and remains true to her values.

Emma Watson

Intelligent and outspoken, actress Emma Watson (most well-known for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter series) is an activist who is unafraid to speak her mind.

Mindy Kaling

Comedian, writer, and actress, Mindy Kaling is known for her self-confidence, humor, and bravery.

Spike Lee

As a film director, Spike Lee exhibits many qualities associated with artists, such as creativity, candidness, and determination

Abstract Concepts or Items.

Machine

Machines can include the strength of freight train, steadfastness of a clock, the super-intelligence of a computer, and more.

Element

Elements include the flexible wind, refreshing and cleansing water, firm and steadfast earth, and passionate fire.

Emotion

From joy to anger to anticipation, Alter Egos can be fashioned after a singular emotion when stepping onto the Field of Play.

Location

Different locations can inspire different identities, such as an awe-inspiring mountain top, a down-to-earth library, a mysterious desert island, or an industrious factory.

Ability

Adapting certain abilities can help focus an Alter Ego, such as freeing flight, powerful strength, and distancing force fields.

Idea or concept

Alter Egos can embody certain ideas, such as beauty, mystery, peace, or war.

Characteristic or trait

Alter Egos may be distilled down to a single characteristic, such as determination, warm-heartedness, devotion, or self-control.

Value

Some Alter Egos represent a value, such as loyalty, empathy, hard work, intelligence, or honor.

Archetype

Instead of a specific character from an existing story, Alter Egos can represent an archetype such as the hero, rebel, villain, jester, leader, or sage.

Alignment

A common method of defining the moral compass of a character in role playing games, an Alter Ego may be lawful, neutral, or chaotic iterations of good and evil.

Athletes.

LeBron James (Basketball)

One of the most prominent basketball players of his generation, LeBron James never shies away from the spotlight and is known for his strong leadership skills and ability to work well in a team.

Tom Brady (Football)

Quarterback for the New England Patriots, Tom Brady is known for being a strong leader with an upbeat personality who advocates for his team.

Tony Hawk (Skateboarding)

Outgoing, cheerful, and motivational, Tony Hawk inspires others to succeed.

Pelé (Soccer)

Brazilian soccer star and legend, Pelé is remembered for his ability to improvise, unparalleled skill, and upbeat attitude.

Muhammad Ali (Boxing)

Boxing champion Muhammad Ali is known for his courage and physical prowess in the ring, as well as his generosity and humility outside of it.

Serena Williams (Tennis)

The world’s leading name in tennis, Serena Williams is unapologetic, fierce, and competitive.

Ken Shamrock (MMA)

One of the most well-known names in MMA fighting, Ken Shamrock is known for his perseverance, dedication, and tenacity.

Simone Biles (Gymnastics)

Down-to-earth, realistic, and with a dry sense of humor, Simone Biles is one of the most decorated female gymnasts in the world.

Lynn Hill (Rock Climbing)

As the first woman to ever climb The Nose of El Capitan without ropes, Lynn Hill can be looked to as someone who defies norms, with a sense of commitment and fearlessness.

Bianca Valenti (Surfing)

An environmentalist and activist for gender equality in surfing, Bianca Valenti is passionate, courageous, and committed to the causes she represents.

Shep Gordon

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