Arcadia:Creating aliens

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The Star Trek universe contains hundreds of alien species, and thousands more never seen.  You may choose an established race for your character; just be consistent with what's established (research your choice).

If creating aliens is your forte (or introducing a species you've created), have at it; we'll welcome getting to know them.  However, mind these guidelines:

• Too often "aliens" are merely humans in alien clothing.  If your character talks, sounds and acts human, and likes human things (things YOU like), then he/she/it should just be human.  (This doesn't mean humans can't be interesting.  If you want to show significant cultural differences, you might, for example, have them originate from a colony world.)
• Aliens don't have to be humanoid or human-like.  Humanoid abundance in Star Trek and the sci-fi genre is the result of limited budgets and costs of makeup/special effects.  Many science fiction (and Star Trek) novels feature non-humanoid aliens.  Since we aren't limited by a budget, your imagination should not be limited.  In other words, don't be influenced by television.
• Creating a new alien is creating a new race.  If your character is alien, go all the way: BE that alien.  Consider these factors:
  • The way they breathe, think, dress (or maybe they don't dress), walk, move, speak... How do they talk or convey information?  What is their speech pattern?  Do they have mouths?  How are they shaped?
  • Their physical form and biology – How do they see or hear?  Do they have eyes or ears?  Different genders?  How do they reproduce?
  • Culture, evolution, government, industry, economy, social outlook... how they view other life-forms, their relationship with Starfleet and the Federation, their understanding of even the simplest customs that humans take for granted — All will be different from what we expect of other humans.

Take these into account if creating a new alien, and base your approach on it.  Be sensible and ready to portray the character on a recurring basis.  Don't be "wild" or too alien (they should be able to relate to other characters) or do it for shock value.  It should still be a believable character with believable motives and feelings.  As with any character, consider his, her or "its" life – how they did at Starfleet Academy*, what events affected or changed the character, how this influenced their personal perspective, and so on.  All of this will add up to a "living, breathing person"... and an interesting character.

*Characters need not be Starfleet personnel; however, residing in a Starfleet environment carries implications, which should be determined before placement.

If you need help or have questions, contact the webmaster.