Diverging character development?

[bluestarultor]

I've been toying with this idea in regards to a game that I've been writing half as a book for years. The main character, as well as a lot of the rest of the cast, has gone through some major changes over the different versions. So I was wondering about how to make the MC at least grow to reflect that.

The real question is, if this ever gets made, how should it be handled? The basic premise is that he will grow in one direction or another depending on his choice of weaponry. In essence:

- The sword user of the party is the quiet, artsy type, so using a bow or rapier (haven't decided yet, but the bow would shoot sword-shaped energy arrows) makes him sort of a protector.
- The gunner is a bit cold and utilitarian, so using guns shoves him towards being a lone wolf.
- His best friend uses a spear, so if he uses a staff, he becomes more laid-back.
- The hothead heavy in the party uses a hammer, so if he uses a greatsword (we're talking really big, but realistically so), it puts him in a more arrogant direction.
- Then he has his own weapon in a set of metal bracers and boots. Sticking with these, he becomes a more balanced character with good people skills to manage his team with.


The thing I'm having trouble deciding is how to implement it. I've got a few ideas, but I'm not sure what would best serve his development:

1. Starting out with one. I really don't like this idea because it forces me to write five whole stories depending on the choice, and it's not easily reversible.

2. Have him find or buy weaponry and then change as he uses it. This is better because it allows his character to develop gradually and can be reversed if the player dislikes him as he's developing.

3. Have him switch battle modes. The crew all have unique strengths and abilities that he'd then be able to utilize. His best friend is a cleric, so he'd use better healing spells with a staff, whereas the sword user is more of a caster, the gunner is more of a thief, the heavy is an attacker, and he, himself could best be described as sort of a monk with some unique attack abilities from different martial arts and a high evasion and counter rate. All of these would have their obvious advantages, and it might be handy to be able to double them up if needed with a jack of all trades.




So what's your feedback? Any of these sound any good? I'm partial to the second two, but I'm not sure what other people would think of any particular one, or if anyone else has other ideas. The main thing is that he never changes so much as to be patently unlikable to everyone, but he does follow different paths of dealing with his leadership of the party and his general tendencies.