Characters
The abstract characteristics of deigetic persons.
Note: The use of character here is in the meaning of the characteristics of a person rather than the traditional use in art of the representation of a person (agent is used instead of the traditional use).
Some games have this pattern without having Avatars. Most table-top roleplaying games (such as GURPS and earlier editions of Dungeons and Dragons) support use of Avatars in combat situations but make it optional, while the computer game Alter Ego keep track of Attributes for the player but doesn't present the player's Character in a Game World.
When players have a Freedom of Choice regarding which New Abilities to acquire, the resulting Customizable Development can provide a game system acknowledgment of Player Time Investments that can support Emotional Attachment to the Characters.
