Character Creation and Roleplay Guidelines
The roleplay world is vast and impressive, often people who make their first steps in it quickly feel that they are overwhelmed and are not good enough to become a good RP'er. We have all felt that way at one point or another, it’s a completely normal feeling.
This guide is meant to help you start working through the basics so you can build on them at your own pace.
This guide is meant to help you start working through the basics so you can build on them at your own pace.
Chapter 1: What is Roleplay?
When you roleplay, you act out the part of a character or person. Here in SL, it is typically done via text-based roleplay. You can consider it as an interactive story amongst yourself and those in a scene with you.
Chapter 2: How do I create my character?
It’s always hard to create a new character, so many possibilities! There’s always a new concept to try! But if you want to enjoy roleplay with people and see your personal story grow it’s important that you have something stable.
You have probably seen a lot of nice profiles with long stories written like books! Sure it looks great and nice to read, but you are not forced to do that yourself if you are not comfortable nor ready to dwell in this kind of big project! A little synopsis could be well enough for people to understand your character. Or even just a little description of your name, age, race and traits would be enough to start.
Though I would advise you that you at least answer the list of twenty questions below and keep them on the side for yourself. These are simple questions that will help you create your character. When you have a doubt about how you character would react to a situation, or what he/she should do to push the story forward, you will be able to reread this list to choose what to do next.
The questions listed below are a simple tool to help you create a well-rounded character concept and add more depth to your roleplay. Not sure how your character might react to a situation? If you've answered all these questions, you have a guide for yourself to figure out how your character might respond to different scenarios.
Remember, this is merely a guide.
First: Physical Characteristics
- What is your character’s name?
- How old is your character?
- What would somebody see at first glance (i.e. height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, physique, race, and visible equipment)?
- What additional attributes would be noticed upon meeting the character (i.e. Speech, mannerisms)?
Second: Your Past
- Where was your character born?
- Where were you raised?
- By who?
- Any anecdotes about your past you think could be interesting?
Third: Your present life
- Who are your parents? Are they alive? What do they do for a living?
- Do you have any other family or friends?
- What is your character’s marital status? Kids?
- What is your character’s alignment?
- What is your character’s moral code?
- Does your character have goals?
- Is your character religious?
- What are your character’s personal beliefs?
- Does your character have any personality quirks (i.e. anti-social, arrogant, optimistic, paranoid)?
- Why does your character adventure?
- How does your character view his/her role as an adventurer?
- Does your character have any distinguishing marks (birthmarks, scars, deformities)?
- How does your character get along with others?
- Is there anything that your character hates?
- Is there anything that your character fears?
Chapter 3: Getting Started
When joining any roleplay sim, it can be daunting at first. You're the new person and so many of the current players already have storylines in progress. Put yourself out there. Go to the populated places and see what players are doing. Write a post about what your character is doing and put it in the Origins of Sin IC group chat. Message a Liaison or a Faction Lead to help you. Join a Faction. Join a Guild. There are many ways to get started!
Chapter 4: What can I improve now that I understand the basics?
Leave yourself room for growth. Take risks with your character. Let the roleplay guide the growth of your character.