Getting into Character!

Bryan W. asked for advice on how to get into Character. So let's talk!

Here is a guide to getting into, acting, and understanding your character. Motivation is key!



First ask yourself some basic questions. 

• Did you base this character on someone?
  
• On a book, movie, song, or story?
  
• Does the character remind you of someone?
  

These are the easy ones. Because if it is yes, then you likely are already one big step ahead of the curve. What about those characters was so cool that you wanted to base a character on them? Or why does it remind you of a character?


Getting INTO the character means understanding why they think something, or why they do something. The same applies to your character. Why do you care for your character? If you based him on another character or persona, usually these are the things that they have in common with one another.


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Acting


I often watch movies or shows just before serious roleplay. I watch characters that match who I am going to play. 


For example, Ratatouille has a villain who is a food critic. When I am playing a mean character (Or NPC) I will watch him, or Harry Potter scenes with Snape. They are disapproving and leery. Never content, and always aggressive. 


If you are playing someone happy and dumb, Doug (The dog from UP) is a great character to watch. 


For someone hard to connect with, consider Spock, Mr. Freeze (Batman), or HAL from Odyssey are good Examples. 


You can also Google examples of your character's voice, personality, or mannerisms. 

Talk to yourself in the mirror or car on your way to the game. It feels silly, but anyone outside of the car will think you are singing along with a song. 


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Exercise
Answer these questions about your character, and it will help your decision making process, which is the first Key to Roleplay. 


1) The building is burning down. Who or What do you save above all else?
Here are some examples:

• My Spellbook
• My Pet
• My friend
• Innocents
• Myself
• My pocketbook
• The Beer
• Records or Maps
• An Artifact

2) The king has enacted a curfew of 5:00 pm. This affects work schedules, Shopping, Socializing, Education, and countless Businesses. What is the first thought you have?

3) What kind of Bed do you enjoy?

• Comfortable with amenities, flush-able toilet, running water.
• Bed with plush pillows and fine blankets.
• One with no lice or fleas. That's my only requirement.
• I can sleep outside. A tree or stable is fine. 
• I Slept in the Alleys for years, this bed is fine. 
• The one with the innkeeper's wife.

4) When you die, where do you go?

• Valhalla, I seek a warrior's death. 
• Heaven, 
• To be with my god He or She will judge my actions. 
• We stop existing
• Who knows?
• I will become immortal so I won't have to learn. 
• I will become one with the Earth

5) What is the one rule you will never break?


Answer these questions, compare them to your favorite heroes. 

Example answers.


THOR!

1. Myself and Mjolnir will be fine, I will save the innocents. 
2. I will stop the threat and eliminate the need for a curfew!
3. A flat bed that can accommodate my size.
4. Valhalla, hall of warriors. I will join the all father in the battle at world's end.
5. I must remain worthy of my father's line, and of Mjolnir, my weapon of choice.

Xavier!

1. The students are my number one priority in a fire.
2. I will read the King's mind and understand why the need for a curfew.
3. A bed that I can get into and out of, but is also comfortable. 
4. I do not know, but I will make this life better for those that follow me.
5. I will not win this war through lies. It takes hard work to win.

Drizzt!

1. My companions, gear, and self must reach safety
2. A Curfew won't stop me. They just won't see me. 
3. A bed where I can rest in relative safety. 
4. I live to join Mielikki in the afterlife. I hope to be worthy. 
5. I will never again live under tyranny.

Thrall!

1. Children, Veterans, and animals.
2. I will reason with him on his terms. It will make him more agreeable. 
3. Any bed is fine, so long as I am free.
4. I hope to rest in peace in the afterlife, free from the shackles of the undead.
5. I will never again be a slave. To others, to power, nothing. I will be free.