On Reddit’s main D&D group, user /u/Mean-Tie6199 is new to D&D and struggling with non-combat roleplaying. They’re not comfortable with it.
Impressively, /u/TheLoyalTR8R, who is a stage actor and D&D geek on the side, had some thoughts. TR8R began by saying roleplaying isn’t that much different from acting or other performances. That’s kind to say, but not much help if you don’t know how to act.
However, TR8R had plenty of other tips.
The trick is to have an informed understanding of your character. Write and know them so well that you know how they react in any given situation. What emotional stimulus will trigger a big response? What will trigger a small one? The better you know you’re character, the easier it is.
The actor likes to write a lot of backstories, even if it’s irrelevant to the DM or the campaign because the details help bring their character to life. How so? It’s the details which help make everything stick together.
…the stronger the roleplay will be because everything I do will be reinforced by informed choices made based upon the history of the character.
One way to get to a healthy background is to ask many questions, even if they’re never likely relevant.
Another tip is to give your characters flaws, such as weaknesses, fears, allergies and anxieties, but also statless strengths, such as dreams and goals, plus details, such as pet peeves, turn-ons, favourite foods, smells and sensations. All these become things that might anchor some non-combat roleplaying.
TR8R also encouraged Mean-Tie6199 not to worry about being wrong or even bad. There’s no Oscar at risk, for example. The newbie has to work on being authentic to their idea of their character, and no one knows whether that’s happening other than Mean-Tie6199 themselves.
🤖AI Disclosure. Software helped create images in this post. Geek Native's AI Content Policy.
Start up a conversation in the comments below.
