Non-Player Character

by Walt McGough

Aspiring video game designer Katja and her longtime friend Trent are an unstoppable team against animated monsters in the virtual underworlds of SpearLight, an online role-playing game. But after a humiliating falling-out, Trent marshals an army of internet trolls to wage real-life war against her. Comic and poignant, Non-Player Character is a timely, boldly theatrical exploration of the games we play and who’s...

Aspiring video game designer Katja and her longtime friend Trent are an unstoppable team against animated monsters in the virtual underworlds of SpearLight, an online role-playing game. But after a humiliating falling-out, Trent marshals an army of internet trolls to wage real-life war against her. Comic and poignant, Non-Player Character is a timely, boldly theatrical exploration of the games we play and who’s winning.

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Non-Player Character

Recommended by

  • Anna Verderber: Non-Player Character by Walt McGough
    “

    One of the only pieces of media, I've encountered, that accurately reflects the world of women in games and GamerGate. Katja is so incredibly smart, and I love following her on her journey as she survives the cyber harassment all too many are used too. I was very lucky to have a chance to direct this show, and the amount of women, even non gamers, who connected with her story never fails to blow me away. I hope this show gets produced more, I cannot express how special it is to me.

    One of the only pieces of media, I've encountered, that accurately reflects the world of women in games and GamerGate. Katja is so incredibly smart, and I love following her on her journey as she survives the cyber harassment all too many are used too. I was very lucky to have a chance to direct this show, and the amount of women, even non gamers, who connected with her story never fails to blow me away. I hope this show gets produced more, I cannot express how special it is to me.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Non-Player Character by Walt McGough
    “

    A revealing piece on gender and video games as the relationship spirals and revenge is unleashed. Well done.

    A revealing piece on gender and video games as the relationship spirals and revenge is unleashed. Well done.

    ”
  • Chelsea Frandsen: Non-Player Character by Walt McGough
    “

    I have a huge admiration for anyone who can craft good dark comedies and Walt McGough is now added to my list. This play is beautiful, stark, raw, and real and I applaud this play for tackling current issues like toxic masculinity and cyber harassment with humanity and truth.

    I have a huge admiration for anyone who can craft good dark comedies and Walt McGough is now added to my list. This play is beautiful, stark, raw, and real and I applaud this play for tackling current issues like toxic masculinity and cyber harassment with humanity and truth.

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

Katja and Trent can double as their in-game counterparts, or those counterparts can be played by other actors. No matter what, Katja and Trent should probably still be on stage during those scenes. An Ensemble of 4 or more plays any characters who aren't them.
  • Katja
    An aspiring game designer.
    22
    Any
    Female,
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Trent
    Just a guy.
    22
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Naomi
    30s
    Any
    Female,
    Presents Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Grant
    Deeply non-threatening
    20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Officer
    Adult
    Any
    Female,
    Presents Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Feldrick
    A video-game barbarian.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Male,
    Presents Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Morwyn
    A video game sorceress
    20s-30s
    Any
    Female,
    Presents Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, La MaMa, 2017
  • Reading, Huntington Theatre Company, Boston MA, 2015

Production History

  • Professional, Red Theatre Chicago, 2019
  • Professional, San Francisco Playhouse, 2018
  • University, Yale Drama Cabaret, 2018

Awards

  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
    Finalist
    2016