Say you were the one writing MK's storylines, how would you develop the main characters as the story moved along? NOTE: You cannot change the canon outcomes of the story. (I.E. Liu Kang still beats Shang Tsung, Scorpion still kills the older Sub-Zero)

For me...

Liu Kang: I think I would mix his movie and game personalities. (Though favoring more towards the movie version) He'd be a bit impatient, critcial of Raiden and the tournament and doesn't really want to follow tradition. But like the games, he'd be a little naive, but very brave and kind. In MK1, he'd be strickly against killing, but by MK2, he starts getting angrier due to his responsibilities as MK Champion, which prevent him from living a life that he wants to live, and by MK3, he'd be a badass warrior.

Also, I think I would have Liu Kang be a bit awkward in his interactions with Kitana, afterall due to being a monk, he never really had any interaction with woman before so he'd feel strange about being attracted to her. (One other plot I came up with it is that before Shao Kahn kills King Jerrod, Jerrod prophesizes the coming of a warrior who will defeat Shao Kahn and save the realms, guess who it turns out to be?)

Kung Lao: He'd be the opposite of Liu Kang in terms of that Kung Lao follows and respects tradition, but like in the games, he'd be reluctant to be a leader and acts as the big brother to Liu Kang, advising him as he goes. Due to Liu Kang and Kung Lao's conflicting opinions about tradition, this leads into several arguments between them. In MK2, they would resent each other a bit, but gradually they'd grow to learn from and respect each other and by MK3, they'd be like brothers.

Also, Kung Lao would be disapproving of Liu Kang's attraction to Kitana.

Kitana: She'd be a tough, fieresome warrior in battle, but while not in battle, she'd be shown as really kind and gentle, and like Liu, a little naive. In MK2, Kitana'd be shown to have real guilt from her time serving Shao Kahn, (though she's still feigning loyalty to him) but by MK3, when she frees her mother in MK3, she'll cheer up (a little at least)

As for her relationship with Liu Kang, from Kitana's side, going by Liu's awkwardness, Kitana would be subtely flirtious with him.

Johnny Cage: Same thing as the games really. Not much to be said about Johnny, really... (but I'd go by his pre-retconned storyline) He'd be arrogant, only out for himself, but over time he grows to be more caring.

Sonya: She'd be cold, rude, sarcastic and untrusting in MK1. In MK2, she's captured so can't do much there. In MK3, she'd learn to be a bit more trusting and would start becoming nicer to her allies.

Scorpion: If I had my way, Scorpion would be the balls. He'd be lonerish, incredibly angry, but deep down honorable and cares very much for his family. Also over time, Scorpion would gradually learn the value of human life. He'd still be a fucking badass, however.

Older Sub-Zero/Noob Saibot: Older Sub would be incredibly serious, arrogant, and would be lonerish like Scorpion. However, unlike Scorpion, he'd kill anyone who got in his way. Despite this, he'd have compassion for his younger brother. When he becomes Noob, he'd lose all emotion and would be a silent warrior, who eventually starts becoming his own villian instead of a servant. Essenitally a tragic character.

Younger Sub-Zero: He'd start out like his brother, only more merciful. In MK3, he doesn't really care about saving the world, he'd be incredibly cold to the other good guys and would harshly push away anyone who gets close to him, but over time he gradually becomes more and more compassionate.

Shang Tsung: Shang Tsung would be treacherous to say the least. In terms of Shao Kahn, Kahn will constantly beat Shang around like a bitch in order to remind him whose the boss in front of all of Kahn's other minions. Shang Tsung utterly despises Shao Kahn, but is too scared of him to stand up from himself and secretly insults him behind his back. An example that I've probably used before: (from my MK2 fic)

Shang Tsung: Sir, should I send the Tarkatan to take care of him? (referring to Liu Kang)
Shao Kahn: Oh no, Shang Tsung. Let him come, I wish to face him myself.
Shang Tsung: (turns away with a disgusted look) Your stupidity will ruin everything, you ugly piece of...
Shao Kahn: WHAT was that, Shang Tsung!?
Shang Tsung: I said... the resurrection's going to take a little more time to prepare, sir!

or...

(as they prepare to resurrect Sindel in MK3)
Shao Kahn: Shang Tsung, is everything in place?
Shang Tsung: Yes, sir... (whispering) You oversized ogre.
Shao Kahn: Excuse me. WHAT WAS THAT, SHANG TSUNG!?
Shang Tsung: I said... when you're ready, sir!

Maybe not exactly translated, but very similar.

Shao Kahn: Pure evil, cunning, manipulative, and rather than outright kill Liu Kang, Kitana and all the others. He'd rather toy with them a bit. (which has lot to behind the back insults from Shang Tsung) He'd definately be a pretty badass villian, that's for sure.

Anyway, that's from me for now.