Roleplaying Guide

[Isaac Khalor]

Roleplaying Guide

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Written by Andrea[/center]

Table of Contents

• [jumpto=intro4]I. Introduction[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=cac]II. Creating a Character[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=start]III. Starting a Roleplay[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=block]IV. Overcoming Writer's Block[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=step1]V. Step One: Understanding/Questioning[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=step2]VI. Step Two: Reaction[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=step3]VII. Step Three: Action[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=step4]VIII. Step Four: Dialogue[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=step5]IX. Step Five: Feelings/Thoughts[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=step6]X. Step Six: Portrayal[/jumpto]
  
  
• [jumpto=tips2]XI. Extra Tips/Practice[/jumpto]

[Isaac Khalor]

I. Introduction

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Welcome to the wonderful world of Roleplaying! But, although it is fun and exciting, it does require a bit of an effort: sometimes more than others. Roleplaying, in essence, is writing a story with others involved, if done correctly that is. Everytime you are writing a roleplay, I want you pretend you are writing for a book (just without the indents and sometimes codes), with detail and emotions so deep that the reader can understand that character even more. However, this can be easier said than done, so I put together a roleplaying guide that you may use if you are just beginning, want to advance into a more literate roleplaying style, or to use a simple guide should you ever get stuck.

Throughout this entire guide, if you need any help, visit the Platform 9 3/4 and staff will be more than happy to assist you.

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Let's start with the creation of your character...

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[Isaac Khalor]

II. Creating a Character

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Sometimes creating a character can be difficult, but it can also be the most fun part of the entire roleplaying experience: you really can get your creativity going and you have complete control over your character; generally. So here are some tips (taken off of A New Member's Guide):

• The character's name. A name is more important than you probably think. A great website to find names is www.babynames.com where you can search names by origin, letter, and even meaning. As for surnames, the last name, also not nearly as complicated as you may think. A great website for surnames is www.surnamefinder.com. Try to be creative and unique with the character's name: you're going to be stuck with it for your whole stay here. Find something catchy and might even make people think twice about it, about it's origin.
  
  
• Fears, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses can all be very difficult to come up with: this is always my biggest struggle. You may influence these by your own interests and dislikes, however, if the character is completely opposite of you: then do it opposite. Something you like, they hate, etc. But... that doesn't always work. So think about some of these questions. Does your character like swimming? Does your character like doing outdoor activities? Is your character active? Would your character rather be indoors cooking than climbing a tree? Would your character rather have their nose in a book instead of hanging out with their friends? Does your character like to ride horses? Does your character like flying? Is your character afraid of heights?
  
  
• Appearances... I don't particular enjoy doing these, but they are necessary. However difficult they may be, remember your character is not perfect: that is key. So let's see if you can answer some of these questions to help get you started... What color is his/her hair? What color eyes does she/he have? Is your character's skin tan, pale, or neutral (for likes and dislikes, does your character like the sun?)? Is your character fat, thin, athletic, muscular, super skinny, a little overweight, chubby, large, tall, short, and/or small? Does your character have a heart shaped face, a round face, or a narrow face? Nice teeth, or a bit crooked? Does your character have any scars or other distinguishable marks?
  
  
• The Personality can also be influenced greatly from the likes and dislikes, but I'm not looking for those in paragraph form. Again, let's have you answer some questions. Does your character have a lot of friends? Is he/she shy or outspoken? Is s/he dominant or submissive? Is your character easily motivated or does s/he need a bit more persuasion? Does your character value friendship and family, or does s/he isolate her/himself most of the time? Is s/he a bookworm or a socializer? Kind, sweet, devilish, wicked, brave, strong, intelligent, clever? Self-indulged or low-confidence? How would your character react in these types of situations: someone hurt you ; someone hurt your friends and/or family ; someone was bullying you ; someone is hitting on you ; someone is asking you out on a date ; someone wants to kiss you ; somebody wants your body not your personality ; somebody wants help with homework ; someone betrayed you ; somebody is your best friend and you trust them ; somebody is your worst enemy and you hate them ; you are in love
  
  
• History... we've all gone through it before and if it weren't for this small bit, you wouldn't be where you are today. Sometimes history makes up who your character is and their personality, maybe even appearance. Let's see if you can get started by answering these questions: When was your character born? What family members does s/he have? Are they all still alive? Do you get along with your family? Does s/he value family and childhood friendship? What was his/her childhood like, growing up in a magical prejudice world? What was his/her first magical experience? Does his/her family accept him/her completely? Has your character ever gone through depression or a moment of complete and utter bliss? If your character has already gone to Hogwarts at least once, what was that like? How did it change your character's life?
  

Your character should have faults and fun little quirks. Don't make them perfect, we don't want any Mary or Gary-sues, they aren't fun and really... pathetic, for lack of a better word. This list will be updated every once in a while as more tips come to mind.

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Ever been asked to start a roleplay and wished that you could, but you couldn't? Let's keep going then...

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[Isaac Khalor]

III. Starting a Roleplay

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Starting a roleplay can be the hardest part of the roleplaying experience, continuing it can be easy, but starting is always a bit difficult. But, with a little bit of practice and a creative mind, this can actually be very easy. For me, starting the roleplay is my favorite part, however continuing it is a bit harder... everybody's different. So here are some tips on getting started on a roleplay:

• Where should we roleplay? The first step is figuring out where you want to roleplay, because often times, the location determines most of the roleplay's real purpose, or how it will be done. So how do you figure this out? First, I want you to think very, very hard about your character's likes and interests, their personality, their history, strengths and weaknesses... Understand them and know them. Knowing your character inside and out is key. Does your character like swimming? The Black Lake Is your character rebellious? The Forbidden Forest Is your character a bookworm? The Library Is your character a boy/girl? The Dormitories What house is your character in? The Common Rooms Does your character really like food? The Kitchens However! You have to take something else into consideration: who you will be roleplaying with. If you have started an [Open] thread, then be aware of the possible characters that may join you, which can spark some small little plots and relationships between the characters, good and bad. If you have a certain focus, meaning you know who you want to roleplay with, also keep in mind of their interests and personality, make sure that they would be found in that location.
  
  
• How do I come up with an idea? Coming up with an idea does take a little bit of time, sometimes, but it works out in the end. The idea of the roleplay is key: knowing the idea means your roleplay can make sense and others will be able to join more easily. Coming up with an idea is simply taking in surroundings, finding some sort of motivation. Look around you... examine the people around you. What are they doing? What types of items are in the room? What color is the room? If you could be doing anything but sitting on the computer right now, what would you be doing? What are you currently thinking about, other than roleplaying? Small, easy questions like these can sometimes spark some ideas. But if you are still having trouble... Make it simple! Don't be so complicated. If you are having trouble coming up with an idea immediately, then you must not have a huge intent for the roleplay, so let's just be general... Studying in the library, swimming in the Black Lake late at night, going into the Forbidden Forest at midnight... Take in every source of motivation you can.
  
  
• Remember... Remember the setting you are in, your characters' interests and dislikes, etc. and who this roleplay is aimed for: if you have a certain aim. This was simply to help you get started with a roleplay, not to explain how to roleplay, so if you are still in question, continue...
  

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Writer's Block! We all suffer it. So how do we overcome it?

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[Isaac Khalor]

IV. Overcoming Writer's Block

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Writer's Block happens to even the best of us: we can't avoid it all the time, and trust me, it sucks, sitting there and having no idea how to respond to the person's above post, or what to say next, or what your next action should be... This will be a very short guide to overcoming writer's block.

• Think VERY hard about what the person's above post was. Read it over and over and over again so much that you eventually just get bored... understand what they are trying to say, what they are doing, and react to it. However, this isn't always that easy. Try to read between the lines, or if you were leading on a certain path, going somewhere... change the topic completely and give it a nice twist! Surprise who you're roleplaying with. You may start with a new topic of discussion. Coming up with that can be hard, but think of your character and what they would most likely talk about. If the two characters don't know each other very well, then maybe the roleplay is awkward and you can express that in a couple of paragraphs...
  
  
• Thoughts are vital when you have Writer's Block. If you truly don't know what to do or what to say, express that in the roleplay. The character was dumbfounded, completely at a loss of words so to speak. Take this time to analyze the other character and form his/her own thoughts on him/her. Sometimes this may spark ideas... Also, just like starting a roleplay, find your source of motivation and inspiration to write! It's there somewhere, you just have to find it... look around the room, watch your family members or your friends, read other roleplays if you have to. Read about the other character and possibly bring up a delicate topic, however your character didn't know how delicate it was...
  
  
• Sometimes... the roleplay should just be ended. Roleplays can't go on forever and ever and it has to stop at some point. If you have tried so hard and still had no ideas, then just end the roleplay: your character has to leave, etc...
  

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Time to learn how to roleplay!

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[Isaac Khalor]

V. Step One: Understanding/Questioning

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The first step in replying to a roleplay thread is to be able to understand what the person is trying to say and portray. Whether your character understands it him/herself, it doesn't matter, you need to understand it. Read in between the lines and gather some conclusions from the post. What was the character's intent? What was s/he trying to say? Why might/did s/he do that? Make hypothesis, and allow yourself to test it later. If you don't know what the character is trying to say, send them a PM if all else fails, and hopefully that person can explain the intent. When you are creating a roleplay, you have to have a certain intention: why is your character doing/saying this? Just as you have an intention, others do as well, so you need to find it.

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Onto Step Two...

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[Isaac Khalor]

VI. Step Two: Reaction

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React to the other character, with your character's personality in mind. Set yourself up into different situations and imagine your character in them, how would s/he react if this happened? Or what would s/he do if that were to happen? The Reaction is very important, and every character does it. React to what the character is saying... you may either do it in the form of thoughts, in the form of actions, or in the form of dialogue: but either way, no matter what form you want to use, do it! Reactions also help others understand your character better, and maybe even help you understand more. Choosing the best type of reaction is usually easy, but you also need to give the other person something to react to. A chain of reactions may occur: where your reaction is actually what will spark the next one, and so on and so forth. Reactions also may include a variety of different emotions, depending on the situation.

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Onto Step Three...

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[Isaac Khalor]

VII. Step Three: Action

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Action is just as important as Reaction is, if not even more. The action shows the other person what your character is doing, some possibly physical attributes, and the way your character works/thinks. Body language can also display the reaction. Action, however, can do other things as well, rather than just react: it can start things. For example, a character's action in a roleplay would be picking a fight, or chewing some gum, or writing in his/her journal... Those are all actions, and those make roleplays more detailed and more understandable, which is the first step of roleplaying. Describing actions can be difficult, but it is feasible. Describe it as carefully as you can, with as many small details as possible without going overboard: you want your character to know exactly what you are doing, or you at least want your audience to know.

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Onto Step Four...

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[Isaac Khalor]

VIII. Step Four: Dialogue

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Dialogue is also, obviously, important in roleplay, however do not let dialogue be the core of all of your roleplays: actions speak louder than words. However, it is a necessary part of roleplaying between two or more characters. After all, it is the most common form of communication between another, and if you don't speak, not much else is happening and not very much can develop from that either. If your character talks too much, let your character talk a lot, but if your character is shy and quiet, be realistic and don't allow them to babble on and on about something. Creating Dialogue tends to be very easy, but if you are stuck, you may begin to ask the other character some questions about themselves, or maybe even put them into certain situations to see reactions.

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Onto Step Five...

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[Isaac Khalor]

IX. Step Five: Feelings/Thoughts

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The silent, yet most important part of the roleplay. Thoughts and feelings can be directly shown through action and dialogue, but they tend to keep to themselves. Describe how your character is feeling in the moment, does it remind him/her of anything in the past? Elaborate on how they are feeling a bit and talk about it if you have, which can then correspond to thoughts... Does your character like feeling that way? Why is s/he feeling that way? As for thoughts... what does your character think of the other character? What is your character currently thinking about, is something going on outside of that particular roleplay that has caught his/her attention/interest? Although the other character probably won't be able to respond to these, they too will have their own thoughts and sometimes this can develop certain relationships. Remember... thoughts/feelings do send off vibes.

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Onto Step Six...

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[Isaac Khalor]

X. Step Six: Portrayal

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Portrayal isn't too important, but it does help add content and experience to the roleplay. What is your intention? What do you want the other character to perceive you as? Did you get your point straight across? What does your character look like? Portrayal touches on a number of different topics, however they are all related to the same idea of the image the other person is going to get. You need to make your intention and point well known, whether it be through action, thoughts/feelings, or dialogue, let it be known. Don't let the intention be pointless and confusing, both are hard to work with and usually boring and irritating. Again, the most important of these questions: what do you want the other character to perceive you as? Keep this question in mind as you are demonstrating your point and writing your roleplay. Also, portrayal can be what your character looks like... in a small paragraph, let people know how your character is dressed, etc.

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Finally some tips and exercises...

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[Isaac Khalor]

XI. Extra Tips/Practice

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Other Tips

• Coming Soon

Exercises

Exercise One: Reactions In character, as if you are writing a roleplay or a story, respond to the following situations. Write at least eight sentences.

• Situation One: A person of the opposite gender comes up to and starts a nice conversation: you two hit it off very well, before that person asks you out on a date. You have only known each other for about a month or so, but you think you may actually really like this person. What do you do?
  
  
• Situation Two: Your parents have just told you that you are moving, which means you have to move away from London, and Europe for that matter, which means you can no longer attend Hogwarts, or work in London anymore. What do you do?
  
  
• Situation Three: You have recently found a small sack on the ground as you were roaming through Diagon Alley. You look inside of it and find hundreds of galleons, worth a lot of money! You see an elderly woman asking around if they had found her wallet, and you know that it belongs to her, but do you want to keep it? What do you do?
  
  
• More situations will be added. If you have any suggestions, please PM the Admin
  

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You have completed the Roleplaying Guide! Everything here will probably be updated in time. Hopefully this helped in some way.

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