Let’s assume you’re writing a science-fiction action epic about a cyber-soldier in the year 2144. The plot is irrelevant for this discussion – let’s just assume there’s plenty of action on earth in some of the most hostile environments available, culminating in a climactic battle scene in near orbit.
Remember, we as humans, have taken every step to make any and all things as complicated as we can. As writers, it’s our responsibility to draw upon that manufactured complication to create a believable or at least, opaque, tapestry of bullshit. So, take a moment to consider your cyber-soldier character. To make him real, to give him more depth than just a barely-speaking killer of men, he’ll need a past, a present, and a future. We’ve talked about creating those pasts before, and in some cases, they aren’t relevant to the story you’re telling.
Let’s talk about your cyber-soldier’s present. It’s an action story, so he’s in the army? Or is he a marine? Or is there some new branch of the military for cyborgs? Maybe his past as a marine is why he’s a cyborg now. Maybe not – maybe he was so gung ho and such a perfect soldier, that he was selected out of hundreds of individuals. More likely, if fresh parts can keep the flesh fighting, he’s one of thousands of cyborg soldiers just hoping they finish their tours before they need any more “enhancements” to stay on the front line.
So, he’s not special. He’s just a guy. With a job and a maybe a family who eventually wants to go home. But he’s still more than just a camouflage Robo-cop. The army is a complicated thing. So, writer, exploit it. Where did cyber-soldier do basic? Don’t know anything about that? Look it up! To the interwebs! What’s his MOS (that’s military occupational specialty)? In this futuristic world, there might be new trainings available – like a professional anti-intrusion network specialist, or electromagnetic heavy-weapons specialist. Think about it.
So, the characters present is derived from his past, his future, from his present. Looking into the layers of any society, the opportunity for unique and memorable characters becomes apparent.
Taking the exercise one step further, perhaps we could throw away all the assumptions that come with the word “hero.” What about a main character who is a coward? There’s no excuse for hacking out an archetype good-guy or bad-guy.