Writing Guide

Engaging in role-playing writing requires a foundational understanding of creative writing. If you are not well-versed in this form of writing, it is advisable to consult various guides and resources to enhance your skills. Below are some recommended readings:

• Creative Writing 101
• Fiction Writing from Purdue OWL
• Another Creative Writing 101

Numerous books on the subject are also available. For the scope of this article, it is assumed that participants possess a rudimentary understanding of creative writing, even if they lack confidence in their abilities.

Perspective

The narrative style employed here is third-person. This approach offers several advantages, including readability and the ability to incorporate multiple perspectives. Instead of using first-person pronouns like "I" or "me," it is more effective to specify the character involved. For example, instead of writing, "I thought about picking the flower," one should write, "Joe thought about picking the flower." This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the narrative.

Text and Context

A well-crafted role-playing text should contain two primary elements: the dialogue and the context surrounding it. This technique is often referred to as "emoting." For instance:

Lance was contemplating retiring to his room after an exhausting day but didn't wish to curtail the conversation prematurely. "Oh, no, I appreciate the thought; I'd love to," he responded, his smile concealing his fatigue.

This is in contrast to:

Oh, no, I appreciate the thought; I'd love to.

The former example provides a richer context, allowing other players to respond in a more nuanced manner.

Methods of Differentiation

Various stylistic choices can be employed to separate dialogue from context. While some players use italics, others may opt for bold text. However, the multi-line approach is discouraged as it can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of the narrative.

Multiple Characters

Third-person narrative is not only reader-friendly but also facilitates the portrayal of multiple characters simultaneously.

Pure 3rd Person

For example:

Lance enters the bar and takes his seat. Finny approaches and inquires about his drink preference. "Just a beer today, Finny," Lance replies with a grin. "You got it, boss," Finny responds, fetching him a cold beer.

Here, both "Finny" and "Lance" are controlled by the same player. It is crucial not to dictate actions for another player's character without their consent.

Multi-Line 3rd Person

Alternatively, two characters can be played separately in different conversations:

Finny grins at Alouette and slides a plate of fresh tacos her way, saying, "Enjoy, Captain."
Lance nods at Scott, remarking, "That's an insightful point; I'm uncertain about the mechanics."

Screenplay Style

Some players prefer a screenplay or script format, which is also acceptable:

Finny: Smiles at Alouette and slides over a plate of fresh tacos. "Enjoy, Captain."
Lance: Nods at Scott. "That's an insightful point; I'm uncertain about the mechanics."

This format clearly delineates who is speaking and what actions they are taking, making it a viable option for many players.