So I've just decided to make an Imperial character, because I've never done it before, I like the idea of the tolerant and open-minded Cyrodiil, and I want to make a good 'undead hunter' for Dawnguard - perfect. Only thing is, I've been wondering how I can justify this guy, how to 'feel' it...

Just this moment, after watching the unwise volunteer for the chopping block do what inevitably happens, the Imperial captain does it all for me; "Next, the renegade from Cyrodiil!"

Renegade, of course! Thankyou. Thankyou Bethesda, always a delightful surprise.

Honestly, that comment from the Captain cut me deep the first time I heard it when I made my first Imperial character in this game. Shows how much of a spiteful wench she really is.

Actually made me connect more to my character (and hers :/) more than break immersion.

Yeah, she'll have a colorful insult for some of the races.

"The Nord in the rags!"
"The cat!"
"The lizard!"

The rest is just "Next...the [race]!" Wish she had colorful insults for all of them, not just four. EX:

"Next...the Ashlander!"
"Next...the Pigman!" (Orc character)
"Next...the cannibal Bosmer!"
"Next...the snobby Breton!"
"Next...the arrogant Altmer!"
"Next...the boatless Redguard!"

Of course, I'm now doubting my new character. The Imperial faces are so... angular.

Still, just thought it would nice to share.

Where did you get the idea that Cyrodiil is open-minded and tolerant? Play an orc in TES IV and pay attention to what people say to you. There's a countess who tortures beast races for fun, and you encounter plenty of racist people there. Then there's the fact that imperials think they're better than everyone else and have divine right to rule the continent. The captain isn't the best face of the imperials, but she came by it honestly.

yesh, which is why I always use the stormcloak entrance.... you get to smash her in the face with an axe!

But a lot of the time, I imagine they lump you into the same group you're captured with.

All I know is Stormcloaks are all Nords, the Legion has Breton, Nord, even Elven legates. Cyrodiil isn't always universally accepting, but it is tolerant: the Counts do not, to the best of my recollection, force Argonians to live in slavery on the docks, and ban them or Khajiit from entering the cities.

That's the thing I find hard to 'role play' as a Stormcloak inclined character.