NPC Gallery Assignment
Learning Targets
I can create a gallery of NPCs with distinct voices and motivations.
I can design NPCs that support player interaction and story development.
Context
You've practiced creating NPCs and learned how session prep brings everything together. Now you'll create a gallery of NPCs ready for use in a campaign session—a portfolio that demonstrates your character design skills and your readiness to DM.
Directions
Step 1: Create Your NPC Gallery
Create a gallery of 4 NPCs for a single campaign setting of your choice. Your gallery must include:
- One Tier 1 (Background) NPC
- Two Tier 2 (Supporting) NPCs
- One Tier 3 (Essential) NPC
Step 2: Write Each NPC to Their Tier's Specifications
For each NPC, provide the information appropriate to their tier:
Tier 1: Background NPCs
These are the people players might encounter once. They don't drive the plot, but they make the world feel lived-in.
- Name
- One distinctive physical detail
- One personality word (e.g., gruff, cheerful, suspicious)
Length: 2-3 sentences total
Example: "Garn is a blacksmith with burn scars covering his left arm. He's taciturn but fair, and he won't cheat anyone on a repair."
Tier 2: Supporting NPCs
These NPCs appear multiple times and have real roles in the story. Players should remember them.
- Full Quick NPC Method (Name, Appearance, Personality, Want, Secret)
- What information could this NPC provide to protagonists? What is their area of expertise or gossip?
- 3-4 lines of sample dialogue that reveal personality without stating it
Length: 6-8 sentences total per NPC
Example dialogue: Show how the character would actually speak, not just summarize.
Tier 3: Essential NPCs
These are the major NPCs who drive your campaign forward. Players will build relationships with them.
- Full Quick NPC Method (Name, Appearance, Personality, Want, Secret)
- Backstory (2-3 sentences)
- Relationship to other NPCs
- What they know (information they could provide to the party)
- How this character drives the campaign forward
Length: 10-12 sentences total
Step 3: Write a Session Introduction
Write a "Session Introduction" (100-150 words) that describes how players would first encounter at least two of your NPCs in play. Use sensory details and establish mood. This shows how your NPCs come alive at the table.
Step 4: Create a One-Page Session Guide
Using the framework from Lesson 5.6, create a One-Page Session Guide that includes:
- Session Goal: One sentence describing your intended outcome
- Key NPCs: Reference your gallery; list names, motivations, one distinctive detail
- Three Scenes: Opening, middle challenge, climax (one sentence each)
- Decision Points: Where will your players make meaningful choices?
- Contingencies: List 2-3 "if the players do X, then Y happens" statements
- Loot/Rewards: What might players gain from this session?
Step 5: Write a Reflection
Write a reflection (4-5 sentences) that answers these questions:
- How do your NPCs work together to create a world that feels alive?
- What design choices did you make to avoid stereotypes?
- How would this session respond to unexpected player choices?
Language is Part of Your Story
Every NPC has their own way of speaking. Draw on your full range of languages and dialects to create authentic, distinct NPC voices. If an NPC is bilingual, multilingual, or speaks with a regional accent, let that shape how they communicate. Linguistic diversity makes characters memorable and your world feel real.
Requirements
- 4 NPCs (1 Tier 1, 2 Tier 2, 1 Tier 3) following tier specifications
- Session Introduction (100-150 words) with sensory details and mood
- One-Page Session Guide with all six sections completed
- Reflection (4-5 sentences) addressing all three reflection questions
- Total approximately 700-900 words
Rubric
| Criterion | Developing (1-2) | Proficient (3) | Exemplary (4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPC Quality | NPCs are generic or stereotypical; missing Quick NPC elements; lack distinct personalities | All NPCs meet tier requirements; distinct personalities; no obvious stereotypes | NPCs feel like real people; relationships between them create story tension; surprising depth and humanity |
| Session Introduction | Generic scene description; little to no sensory detail; unclear mood; doesn't showcase NPCs | Specific setting; 2+ NPCs introduced naturally; clear mood established | Immersive writing; reader wants to play this session; NPCs come alive through action and detail |
| Session Guide | Missing key sections; no contingencies; unrealistic pacing; unclear player agency | All six sections present; realistic pacing; 2+ contingencies; evidence of player agency design | Flexible and creative contingencies; clear vision of how session adapts to player choices; strong pacing |
| Writing Craft & Reflection | Flat descriptions; no craft awareness; reflection is superficial or missing | Sensory details; character voice evident; thoughtful reflection addressing all questions | Vivid writing; dialogue reveals character; deep self-awareness about design choices and stereotype avoidance |
Social Awareness
Your NPC Gallery is a test of your perspective-taking skills. Each character should feel like a real person with their own worldview, not a one-dimensional tool for the plot. As you write, ask yourself: Would this person feel respected by how I've written them? Would someone from a different background see their humanity reflected here?
Great DMs create characters who surprise them—people who feel like they have inner lives beyond what the party sees. That's respect in action.
Process Evidence
Submit character brainstorming notes, scrapped NPC ideas, and session plan drafts alongside your final gallery. These show your creative process and how you worked through design challenges.
AI Guidance
This assignment showcases YOUR creative vision as a DM. Do not use AI to generate NPC names, descriptions, backstories, dialogue, session plans, or any part of your gallery.
You may ask AI to ask you questions about what kind of NPCs interest you. After writing your complete draft, you may use AI for grammar checking only.
Submit your planning notes as process evidence.
Revision Opportunity
After you receive feedback, you'll have the opportunity to revise this gallery. Professional DMs constantly refine their NPCs based on how players respond. Revision is a sign of craft mastery.
What's Next: Complete the Unit 5 Reflection