I hope I'm not alone but apart from my initial pt's, I'm incapable of role-playing a character
I've played both DA's so many times (it's gone beyond healthy) but I can't help but meta-game the crap out of them, so they all end up pretty much the same, which is kind of lame for a rpg lol.
I do try and set out with different intentions but I just can't do it. I started another DA2 run just the other night and true to form, so far, all decisions are exactly the same lol
Any advice on how to approach an rpg so each pt is different?
I even added a save editor mod, which has let me make different DAO decisions to import into DA2 but I still end up pretty much the same -sigh-. #hopeless! lol
Edited to add, I think Cole is going to be a similar vain to Anders (kind of marmite character) you'll either love him or hate him, not sure there will be much middle ground, I hope I can like him, Im not good at hating any of the companions so far.
This is probably more geared for a role player, but make sure your characters don't look similar. I tend to keep making the same anorexic jaw Hawke that looks like my canon, Emma. And even though I think she's a total cow, if my Hawke looks even a little like her, they start making decisions she would make. And try to come with a detailed personality and backstory for your character. Personally, I tend to think the more flaws and negative traits, the better, (and clumsy does not count as a flaw). That way, you should see the character as their own person who makes different decisions.
As for Cole, I totally agree with you. I was never that moved by him in Asunder, so when it was rumoured he'd be a companion I was already rolling my eyes. But then, though I went in prepared to dislike him, Weekes' interview intrigued me. However, having heard more about him and what he approves of and disapproves of, I've pretty much lost all patience with him.