How do I become a good RPer?

Subject: How do I become a good RPer? Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:33 am

Since the board for RP studies were closed and shoved out of the way, we (the staff) has come to the conclusion that we would make a nice little guide on how to be a good RPer. Of course, I'm probably not the best tutor, but I'll do my very best.

Grammar

In order to be a good RPer, you have to have good grammar. Watch out for points like these:

Overusage of commas.
Writing either in British english or American english (it's a tiny difference right there.)
Capitalized letters only after finished sentences, unless names are mentioned. (StarClan, Scourge etc.)
Typos (always of great annoyance for everybody).

The post in itself

Of course, the content of the post is the most important. If there's just a load of blabber and you can't tell what the other person meant, then it's not a very good post. Make sure to look over these points:

Make sure the sentences are logical. If you jump from one thing to another, it'll be hard to follow them.
Fluent sentences. This will help prohibiting the first point, and can easily be made by making a sentence inbetween that leads the character to the next action. If he was fishing, then maybe it'd be a smart idea to make up a reason for him to leave? Can be done through thoughts of the character as well as other senses.
Details. Don't overflood your partner with them, but make sure that you describe their feelings, how they sense what they've just heard/smelled/tasted. Whether it is a facial expression or a thought doesn't matter.
One-sentencers. Everybody hates them, although at times they can't be avoided because of various reasons. Remember to attempt to write a tiny pharagraph, it really helps the person you're RPing with to write their own post. It'll also increase your skills within writing.
God-modding/mary/gary-sues etc. aren't appreciated by anybody except yourself. Make sure your character makes flaws, that they end up making mistakes in combat or in other situations. It makes the character more alive.
Realistic approach. Think about the movements of your cat. Will it be able to bite it's enemy's cheek, and at the same time scratch their butt? It's rarely seen in realistic life, and it'll help your post if you think about anatomical features.
Interact with other cats. Don't wait until somebody walks over to you, and begins to talk with your cat. That can take ages, and by then you might have left the site! If it's as much as a little 'hello' or 'nice weather today', it'll help you get started in the wonderous world that RPing can be.
Problems, conflicts and quarrels. Every person has quarreled with someone at some point, right? Why shouldn't your cat do that? Don't be afraid to start arguements.

The characters

The character is the source to all the information you write about them. Therefore, it's important that you make a well-filled form.

"Perfect characters". Try to avoid them. It'll be boring for you as well as for everybody that the character doesn't have anything but pure light and friendliness in them. Even we as humans have dark sides, so lets bring that to our characters as well, shall we?
Unique features. Scars that makes the character yours, specific markings or traits that seperates your character from everybody else. They all help you making an interesting character, that people will seek to RP with.
"Mates with myself". Try to avoid making cats who're mates with your other cat. It's boring for yourself to RP a romance between you and you, and it'll sooner or later push you out of the RP.
I strongly recommend you to try adopting away the kits of your cat's litter. It'll bring more interactions to the game, and you won't be stuck with a bundle of characters to worry about.
Romance at apprentice stage. Don't get me wrong, it's fine to have crushes. But when you feel forced to make the two mates, there's something strictly wrong. Let the case rest, she-cats can be friends with toms too. They don't have to meet their soulmate as a 6 moon old kit. They hardly know what true love is yet!
Aging. Remember to age your cat every now and then, so they're not stuck at 12 moons for the rest of their lives.

Hopefully the list is of some use, and that you'll be able to improve your own writing through it. You may disagree with my points, and that's fine. I'm just making suggestions for what I think would be better in RPs. Wink

We'll be offering help for those who needs it. If you're uncertain about the level of your post, fill out the form below and post it here. The staff will gladly correct your errors, and tell you where you are at right now.

Code:: [b]Name:[/b]
[b]Written for:[/b]
[b]RP example:[/b]

Guest

Wow~ This is really good Silent! Very helpful

Subject: Re: How do I become a good RPer? Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:36 am

Glad it'll be helpful! :> I was very stressed while I was writing it, I was heading off to a concert in half an hour and I still didn't have anyone to drive me. x3 Anyway, if there's anybody who's got anything to add, feel free to post here!

Subject: Re: How do I become a good RPer? Mon Dec 24, 2012 12:04 pm

Looks great, Silver! Awesome job! :D

Subject: Re: How do I become a good RPer? Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:18 pm

Thanks, Moonie. :>