How to Be a Good Online Roleplayer

Co-authored by Eric McClure

Last Updated: October 9, 2021

Online roleplaying is a text based way to create a story with one or more partners. You can be your favorite character, a completely new one, and enhance your writing skills. Start at step one to learn how to have an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Selecting a Universe

1
Pick a universe you know well. Try to avoid joining a universe you've never heard about or don't like.
2
Do some general research into it before joining. It is perfectly acceptable to create your own universe.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Creating a Character and Layout

1
Choose your favorite character, or make an original. Try to avoid ripping off straight from the medium, but there's no profit being made in the game so it's generally acceptable.
2
Avoid powerplaying. Many roleplayers hate seeing Godmodders.
- God Mod is basically creating a character that can't ever be defeated, and is more powerful than anything in the universe. This can also be referred to as autoing in fights where all your hits connect and you never allow your character to be hit.
- Godmodding can also be controlling another player's character. Which should be avoided without explicit permission.
- Remember if your character gets killed off in a storyline you don't have to remove the character completely, unless you were playing for permanent death of whoever lost.
3
Make layouts that describe your character without being too flashy. Don't make all of the layouts; ask others to make their own too.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Developing Behavior

1
Avoid using text talk. Unless your character is texting someone in the play spell out the words.
2
Practice safe roleplay sex. Never pressure or force anyone into a sex scene.
3
Don't one-line (unless it's a preference with someone you're roleplaying with). Most people prefer at least a single paragraph, but some others allow one-lining. Just make sure you check the other person's preference (usually in the form of Roleplaying Rules in blogs) before trying to roleplay with others.
4
Don't steal anything, from anyone. This includes layout designs, storyline ideas, pictures, display names, biographies, roleplaying rules, etc. Don't be afraid to ask someone if you can copy something, 9 times out of 10 they'll say "Yes," and they'll expect credit so whatever you borrowed from someone, make sure you write "Credit to: [name]" under whatever you took.
5
Be the nice guy/girl. Accept constructive criticism, be nice, don't take things said in roleplay personally, make friends, chat up, etc. Be easy to get along with, and great roleplaying opportunities shall come your way.
6
Hang out in Chat zys. If you want to start a Chatzy, don't be extremely strict about it. Ban people if they're being rude to other members, not if you just simply don't like them. Also, if someone is being mean to another person, don't back them up because you think it's funny.
- Remember, not everyone in there is having as much fun as you, and don't act like you're entitled to do something and others that accidentally do the same thing you do are copycats. Be nice, and again, don't declare supreme power by giving certain people administrator rights and playing around with the rights with one or two other people. Be nice, courteous, don't single others out, and don't gang up on someone.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Owning the RPG

1
Be a responsible owner. If you own an RPG, don't go mad with power. If you want to assign moderators of the group, don't let them all be other accounts you have control over, especially if no one knows that those accounts are you (that's called sock puppeteering).
2
Avoid appearing power hungry. It's not fun if you get people to join only to declare supreme power over them, because that'll make you look like a control freak and it'll cause people to leave. Let the members of the group be independent and if they don't want to participate sometimes then let them be. Only talk to them if they turn down opportunities consistently.

Community Q&A

Question

I'm a newbie at this but have an O.C. and want to find out about public RP and how to get started. What can I do?

Community Answer

I recommend practicing. Though it won't make you perfect; it'll definitely make progress. After you're confident in your writing skills - edit your character. Mold and shape him/her the way you want - but be aware of 'Mary Sue' traits. Once you're confident in your skills and character - join a website. I suggest Roleplay.me or RPNation. Even Chatzy or Omegle works.
Question

If I finish a story while roleplaying with someone, is it bad to ask if I did well, especially if it was my first time actually roleplaying?

Community Answer

No, it's not taboo in the roleplaying world. It's only bad if you point out that someone else was bad.
Question

What if I'm stuck in a roleplay situation and I don't know what to do?

Community Answer

The good thing about online roleplaying is that other people are playing with you. Don't be afraid to ask: "I'm confused right now. Could someone tell me what to do?"

Warnings

Don't start an RP only to reply only once or twice. People hate it when someone starts an RP, only to have that person reply a few times and move on.

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Keep in mind that you're still on the Internet. Don't post things you're uncomfortable about posting (such as a real life blog letting everyone know who you are, your cell phone number, etc). Get to know someone really well before letting them add your Facebook or see what you really look like.

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Don’t be a Mary-Sue (over-powered character) that has no weaknesses. No one likes it when a character can’t die.

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