Exploring Text-Based Role Play and Character Development

Role play can take many forms, from immersive video game experiences to text-based interactions. In this article, we delve into the nuances of text-based role play and character development, focusing on key aspects such as personality development, character control, and the process of building a well-rounded role play character.

Text-Based Role Play: A Simple and Accessible Form

Text-based role play, often seen in games like GTA or Minecraft, requires a different set of tools compared to more visual and interactive forms. While video games may necessitate special controllers, extensive plugins, or modding tools, text-based role play is much more straightforward. All one needs is a way to communicate, whether it's through text messages, chat programs, or any other messaging medium, and a platform or forum where the role play can take place. This simplicity is what makes text-based role play so appealing to many enthusiasts.

Guidelines for Effective Role Play

When engaging in role play, it's essential to adhere to certain guidelines to ensure a fun and respectful experience for all participants. Let's explore these key points:

Reacting to the Scene

The first step in role play is to react to what is happening in the scenario. This might involve responding to a prompt or a posted event. The response should add depth and realism to the role play experience, making the narrative richer and more engaging.

Adding Your Touch

After reacting to the scene, it's time to add a personal touch that reflects your character's unique traits. This could involve narrating internal thoughts, adding specific actions, or introducing a piece of dialogue that aligns with your character's personality.

Respecting Character Control

The golden rule of role play is to never control another person's character. While it can be tempting to influence or steer the character of a co-player, this can undermine the game and ruin the experience for others. Always ensure that your actions do not infringe on the freedom of other characters.

Rule 1: Never control the other person's character. Voice actions, weather, or anything that affects the environment should be discussed and agreed upon with the other player first before proceeding.

Character Development: The Art of Thinking Like Your Character

At the heart of effective role play is character development. Instead of thinking, "What would my character do?", the ideal approach is to immerse yourself in the mindset of your character. This means crafting a personality and backstory that guides your actions and responses within the role play scenario.

Building a Character on the Seven Deadly Sins

One popular method of creating a character is to base their personality on one of the seven deadly sins. For example, a character who embodies pride or wrath can provide rich material for role play and story development. By deeply understanding the traits that influence your character, you can create a more authentic and engaging narrative.

There's no limit to the creativity you can bring to your character. My own experiences range from mainstream roles to more unconventional ones. For instance, a barbarian shifter obsessed with becoming a full shapeshifter presents a unique personality and development journey. Developing my character's responses and outlook on different situations has been both challenging and exhilarating.

Character Building in a 3.5 Game

For those interested in more structured role play, the Dungeons Dragons system can provide a framework for character development. In a specific 3.5 game, I created a character with the following classes:

Barbarian 6 Warshaper 2 Weretouched Master 2 Druid 1 Fighter 1 Abolisher 1 Master of Many Forms 2

This combination was designed to ensure survivability in combat and flexibility in various situations. The focus was on building a character who could be effective in multiple scenarios while adhering to the feat restrictions of the game.

Conclusion

Text-based role play offers a unique and engaging way to explore character development and storytelling. By following best practices for role play and immersing yourself in the mindset of your character, you can create a rich and fulfilling role play experience. Whether you're based on a well-known game or crafting your own unique character, the key is to think deeply and authentically as your character to bring the role play to life.