Role Play is when someone assumes a character, either from an existing story or one they made up, and writes as them on an internet social site like FaceBook or MySpace. These sites don’t condone this but it happens none the less.
While on my chosen social networking site I noticed a post by my favorite author. Drawn to the link, I saw comments under that post by people named after the characters in the author’s books. Curiosity got the better of me and I read the posts on their walls. I was thrilled to discover more story to fill in the detail of what the author had already created.
It was fascinating. The characters had been brought to life and were interacting as if they were real. I followed for a few months and came across a “casting call.” They were looking for people who were familiar with the stories and characters who wanted to assume their roles. Hole smokes! A chance to be my favorite character. Well all right, too cool. I sent off my introduction email to the group’s admins and did an audition… And got the part! Color me ecstatic and a whole lot terrified. What if I mess up? What if I embarrass myself and those I write with? GASP! What if the author reads what I’m doing and Hates it??
All fears aside, I jumped in and had a blast. I’m not saying it’s always been a breeze. As with any medium where true human emotions can’t be deciphered in person, it’s easy to misconstrue what’s being typed/said. That also aside, RP can be a great place for a writer to practice their craft.
Role play, or RP, as it’s known in the trade, is helpful to work out character and plot issues, especially when you create characters around your own story. The trick is to find writers you Know, Like and Trust to help you. That’s the hard part. I suggest talking your known friends into it if you can. I started in a known group and branched from there, going off contact information given by fans and other RP group members.
After taking the plunge into this little known world earlier this year this is what I’ve learned:
There are a lot of immature people out there with no qualms about showing exactly how immature they are. Try and ignore them. If that proves impossible; Delete/Unfriend and Block are your best friends.
Another startling fact? People will actually believe the character you created is a real person, even when the profile clearly states it’s a role player. Sure RP is all for fun, but be responsible and try to make sure readers understand the RP is Fantasy.
Oh, and No One, not even RPers are immune to people pushing growth enhancers, “Come see my naked picture” ploys disguised computer viruses, so beware.
But the absolute best part about RP has to be the wonderful folks who actually love what they do. They love to write and interact with their on-line friends, families, and fans, and that connection is why we all write in the first place.
Leave a comment