What Is Roleplaying?

Roleplaying is, essentially, collaborative writing.

A group of people (two or more) all come together with the intention of writing out a plot together.  Each person has a character that they have created for that plot.  They all take turns submitting their writing from that character's point of view, until their plot has been achieved, usually going in a uniform order (though the exact order should be discussed beforehand).  This is continued, with each person acting and reacting to what is written, exchanging dialogue and actions, until the plot is completed.

The word "plot" itself can be confusing in the roleplaying world.  Personal plots are typically geared toward several characters, and doesn't really affect anyone outside those characters.  Site-wide plots usually set the genre and theme of the board, and typically has a challenge, issue, or goal to deal with or achieve; those who participate in the roleplay will work toward resolving the main conflict within a site-wide plot.  Sub-plots usually affect groups of characters, but may or may not affect the site-wide plot as a whole.  The above description of what roleplaying is could be any one of these uses of a plot.

There are rules, of course, and a typical order of operations that everyone must go through before they are eligible to roleplay.  These rules vary depending upon the genre, plot, and preference of those who run the roleplay, but there are some that don't typically change, which will be covered in another topic.  Not all roleplays are run the same, or even use the same software; some are based on places like LiveJournal, or Myspace; others are done through an instant-messaging system; many are done through forums or other software.  In addition to that, there are varying levels of skill/difficulty, in which a certain code of behavior and style of writing is expected.  A roleplay taking place on a forum that has declared itself an advanced roleplay (this would be the skill/difficulty) would typically expect near flawless grammar, fluid writing, and a lot more content per contribution, and would be more reminiscent of the style used in writing books.  The member would be expected to use all five of their senses, to take in minute details, and to not only reply to the person before them (or set the scene up if they're the first), but to leave adequate  information for someone else to reply.  A beginner roleplay would not have their standards raised as high.

Once you start roleplaying, you will quickly find that not all roleplayers work out plots the same way, nor do they post their characters the same.  Some will prefer to sit and write out all the things that are to happen in the plot before it's written, while others like to go about roleplaying in a more freeform way.  Some will prefer shorter, more frequent posts (called rapid-fire posting), usually posted extremely quickly within a short time period, such as over the span of a few hours; others prefer longer, more detailed posts ranging from one post a week up to several a day.

The best thing about roleplaying, in my opinion, is that you have a chance to explore a world, a situation, a state of being through writing that you normally would not be able to in real life.  You could become a witch or wizard in the universe of Harry Potter, or try out being a werewolf in a brooding pack, or the prince of an impoverished nation, or a pauper on the streets that steals for a living.  You have the ability to aid organizations to bring down governments, or help scheming corporations intending to take over the world.  You could be a mother, a grandparent, a model, a superhero.  Anything you want to experience - anything - can be done through roleplaying.  all you need is the determination to write, the time to devote to seeing a plot through, and the right resources.