Smart people turn and run. But I wasn't smart, I was a protagonist.
Player characters in Noirland normally fit into one of six archetypes, which we call professions. There is, of course, plenty of overlap, but most will be primarily one the types found below.
Academic
Those who put facts over fiction and science over faith live the life of an Academic. It's the classic brains over brawn approach, where knowledge and skill takes them places that physical form won't.
They can be found on both sides of the law, in such roles as scientists or medical doctors or perhaps crooked accountants or gangland bookies.
A player wanting to assume the role of an Academic could pick a psychological profiler as their character. They might work alongside local law enforcement, helping them understand the motives and likely moves of a particular individual of interest.
They might also play the role of a forensic auditor, picking apart detailed financial records, following the money and uncovering the real perpetrator.
Protector
Some choose to put themselves in harms way to defend those that can't defend themselves. Others do it for pay.
The motives for a protector might often be called into question, but their dedication rarely is. These are your beat cops, security staff and bodyguards.
If the Protector appeals to a player, they might find themselves working at the local police precinct. Perhaps being chained to a desk never appealed to them, so they passed on promotion so they could continue to protect and serve.
They could also be a government agent, tasked with protecting an important senator or a key witness. Maybe they work for a private security company and are tasked with the safeguarding of a VIP or a valuable shipment of currency, bullion or secrets.
Crusader
The Crusader believes that the only thing purer than their actions is their cause. They'll peruse this endeavour with tenacity and righteousness until the very end.
Easy to spot, the Crusaders of the world always make themselves known. Perhaps they are the newly elected official, determined to do the right thing where so many others have failed.
Many a Film Noir story has featured a naive young reporter, and a player might just wish to take up that role themselves. Pure of heart and steady in their convictions, these characters tread the path that other, more seasoned journalists fear and cast their eyes over things that can lead to dangerous places.
They could also be a rookie cop, as yet uncorrupted by time, determined to right a wrong or driven to sweep away the corruption that litters the city.
Grifter
Manipulation is the tool of the Grifter, for them, emotions are just a weakness to prey upon.
Sometimes they do what they do for a cause, but unlike the Crusader it dosen't have to be a just one, sometimes its for profit, and sometimes its just for fun.
Grifters are everywhere, those that break the law often end up as con artists or spies, while those that keep to it could be private investigators, manipulating those around them to get the answers they seek.
Players that want to walk the way of the Grifter could find themselves as a bored socialite, flirting their way into the good graces of those around, learning their hopes and dreams so they can be more easily controlled. All beware the Femme Fatale.
Detective
Behind every mystery is an answer, and behind every door is a clue. The Detective's thirst for information is never sated.
These are your police detectives, private investigators and spy catchers. They juggle a fine-line between suspicion and open-mindedness, running down leads and putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
Many players will choose a Detective for their first entry into the world of Noirland. They could be a seasoned member of the homicide squad, someone who spends their day wrestling with the motives and means of hardened criminals or jealous lovers.
Perhaps they are a down-on-their luck private investigator who's desperation has got them wrapped up in something that goes far deeper than they ever imagined.
Soldier
Sometimes people need to get hurt, and the Soldier is always happy to oblige.
Soldiers accomplish their objectives with the proper application of force. They don't have a lot of time for subtlety, and find that their fists steer the coversation better than their words.
Those that have at least a little respect for the laws of the land end up in the armed forces or in the rougher end of law enforcement. Those that don't fill the roles of hired guns, enforcers or street thugs.
A player character of this nature could be a tough-as-old boots cop in charge of an anti-gang enforcement task-force. Where as a Detective might follow a complex series of clues, the Soldier finds it easier to just beat a confession out of his subject.