How to Have a Successful Character in Second Life

The virtual world of Second Life allows individuals around the globe to interact through self-made characters. You can change your avatar, or animated image, to become anything or anyone. You make basic changes in physical appearance and clothing with simple, standard tools. However, there are a host of ways to give your avatar character traits that make him or her attractive and socially successful. Here are some tips to do so.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Second Life Client download
• Computer with Internet access via DSL or cable modem

1. Go to the Second Life home page to become a member, if you have not already done so (see the Resources section below). Enter the necessary information and download the "Second Life Client."

2. Click the desktop icon provided by the download. Hit "Connect." Your avatar will appear.

3. Click on your avatar and choose "Appearance." Follow the instructions to change the body, facial features and clothing. The avatar remains on screen and reflects the changes as you make them.

4. Give your avatar a set of animated responses. Open your "Inventory" file and access "Gestures."

5. Right-click on a gesture--for example, "Blow a kiss." Check "Trigger" for the words that, when typed in a chat, will cause the gesture to occur.

6. Control when the gesture is activated with the shortcut key. Whenever you press this key or keys, your avatar will perform the gesture.

7. Attach a standard object or one that you have created from your "Inventory" file, such as a hat or a character costume. Find the item in your inventory and click on "Wear."

8. See the tutorials under "Avatar" in the "Tech Support" section to learn how to import created objects from other art programs and to make your own textures and objects (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• You can equip your avatar with as many gestures as you want from a long list in the "Inventory" section. You can trigger them with a word cue, but you have better control with a shortcut key. That way the gesture will be a surprise.

• If you are familiar with LSL scripting, you can create an even wider variety of clothes, gestures and quirks to make your character more realistic or successful.

• Once you have named your avatar, you cannot change it. Think about the name you choose. Make sure that it says what you want it to say and does not have any unintentional meaning.

• Know the rules of the Second Life site (see Resources below). Reserve risqué traits for the "Mature" section of the site. Aggressiveness and other socially inappropriate behavior will not make you successful with your fellow members, and site groups or owners may penalize you.

• Use caution when revealing private information. Second Life does not screen applicants, and you don't know who is really behind the facades that you see in the virtual world.