Michael Morris
First Post
This thread is to discuss the third article in the character points series.
Character Points III: Character Portrayal
- Thread starter Michael Morris
- Start date
pawsplay
Hero
Wow, that was quite good. Compared to the previous two installments, it felt more focused and more logical. Rather than advice or information, you have put forward a position. The style was nice, too.
Personally, I find this article agrees well with my experience with improvisational acting, as well as my theories about RPGs. For instance, the ideas of having fun and not forcing emotions are consistent with my ideas about fulfulling the expectation of excitement for the players and experiencing the story through an envelope of imaginary experience. What is real is the experience of the players.
Some of the suggestions and ideas are things I would like to try out, and I think I will be referring to this article in the future.
Personally, I find this article agrees well with my experience with improvisational acting, as well as my theories about RPGs. For instance, the ideas of having fun and not forcing emotions are consistent with my ideas about fulfulling the expectation of excitement for the players and experiencing the story through an envelope of imaginary experience. What is real is the experience of the players.
Some of the suggestions and ideas are things I would like to try out, and I think I will be referring to this article in the future.
Orryn Emrys
Explorer
Generally quite excellent advice overall. I've been running extremely roleplaying-oriented games for the past 15 years or so. Of course, it's been an evolutionary process, and my players' approach to the roleplaying experience has transformed drastically over the years. I would say that most of them have become talented improvisational actors.
Now, however, I've moved to a new town and compiled a new group, and they're a mixed bag in this respect. But I still run a dramatic game, and they've responded very well to it... a couple of them are every bit as intense as my prior campaigners. And the others are coming along nicely...
I think I shall certainly be sharing this article with my group.
Now, however, I've moved to a new town and compiled a new group, and they're a mixed bag in this respect. But I still run a dramatic game, and they've responded very well to it... a couple of them are every bit as intense as my prior campaigners. And the others are coming along nicely...
I think I shall certainly be sharing this article with my group.
wayne62682
First Post
I just read through all three of these and I have to say they're very good. I always have a problem with bringing out the roleplaying aspects of my characters because I'm shy and timid in real life, and have very little self-esteem, and I'm afraid of looking stupid in front of others (especially true when I'm joining a new group and don't really know everybody yet).
I normally don't try much to "get into" my character because nobody else at the table does it and then I feel like a weirdo. I love to think of quirks and things for my characters though, even if I can't properly pull them off, so I'm hoping to apply some of what's in the article to help improve it.
Overall, I'm certainly looking forward to this series!
I normally don't try much to "get into" my character because nobody else at the table does it and then I feel like a weirdo. I love to think of quirks and things for my characters though, even if I can't properly pull them off, so I'm hoping to apply some of what's in the article to help improve it.
Overall, I'm certainly looking forward to this series!
Iceman
First Post
Hmm. Interesting.
I've had enough directors tell me, "I am less interested in how You would react, and more interested in how you think the character would react," that I don't tend to bring my own reactions into things.
At least, not much.
(( I can't do 'method acting' and just being me is a waste of the audience's money, even it gets a more visceral response. ))
As the opening bit says, there are a number of different acting/improvising techniques. Once you've picked one, run with it.
And "internalizing and responding naturally" certainly has its merits. Sure, your reaction may not be the reaction of a titanic warrior bred for combat, but it's still Your reaction - which I've seen come across as more valid and entertaining than the 'pretend' response.
it's just not for me, I guess. *shrug*
Regardless, I've appreciated the series.
-VIC
I've had enough directors tell me, "I am less interested in how You would react, and more interested in how you think the character would react," that I don't tend to bring my own reactions into things.
At least, not much.
(( I can't do 'method acting' and just being me is a waste of the audience's money, even it gets a more visceral response. ))
As the opening bit says, there are a number of different acting/improvising techniques. Once you've picked one, run with it.
And "internalizing and responding naturally" certainly has its merits. Sure, your reaction may not be the reaction of a titanic warrior bred for combat, but it's still Your reaction - which I've seen come across as more valid and entertaining than the 'pretend' response.
it's just not for me, I guess. *shrug*
Regardless, I've appreciated the series.
-VIC
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