Let the Personality Shine Through


Playing a multidimensional PC means developing some sort of personality for the character, making more than just a set of stats on a sheet. The difficulty for the ST is how to get the players to enact these traits- especially the ones that put the PC in a light the player won't particularly enjoy. There are a few options, regardless of which system you play:

1. Trust the players. They usually like this approach because the ST has limited capacity for interfering with roleplay. The players can consider suggestions as to trait implementation, and take it or leave it. They can also apply the traits in varying intensities, allowing for development of subtle character nuances. The advantage for the ST is that it doesn't require much time or effort. The problem with this approach, unfortunately, is that you're trusting the players.... Some will deliberately betray that trust, and others will do so unconsciously. It's hard to draw a clear line between what you want as a player, and what the character wants.

2. Rollplay. Have the player roll the stats involved in acting out the trait. This gives the ST more power to implement traits, but can also make the players feel distant from their characters. Running from the fight because the dice said you do just isn't the same as running because you know the character is terrified. Also, the ST has to be judicious in calling for rolls to avoid bogging down the roleplay.

3. Trust, then roll. This gives the ST an option in case the player is ignoring the traits he dislikes, while allowing others the freedom to play as they see fit.

None of this should be set in stone at the beginning of a game. Discuss the options with the troupe, and then choose the right method according to circumstances during roleplay. Acting out the flaws and quirks, the passions and fears, of the character even when it will make them less than heroic will add a dimension to RP that takes it beyond the level of mere storytelling.

The copyright of the article Let the Personality Shine Through in Online Role Playing is owned by Sandy Brundage. Permission to republish Let the Personality Shine Through in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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