I think one of the best ways to keep RP from getting boring is to notice what other players are putting out there, and then try to make an opening for them to showcase their particular thing. Yes-and what people are putting out into the world, and see where it goes. For me, half the fun is just finding out what happens when someone gets to really inhabit that character and turn them loose.
But: I expect the same in return. I’m not here to bask in your imagined majesty. I want to play with someone who’ll pick up what I’m throwing out there and do something with it, too.
In the last few days I’ve had a few absolutely wonderful examples of this. People picked up on little things I’d put in a pose, I got to follow up on things they’d put in theirs, and the scene went to some delightful places I absolutely didn’t imagine them going when I joined. I can’t wait to play with those people again.
I’ve also had the exact opposite. I did my level best to give someone things to pick up on, and they showed the barest interest in who my character was or why he was there. After a while it felt like the Other Character Show, and I was just there to be the audience. There’s only so much of that I’m willing to do before I give up and, frankly, avoid putting myself in that situation in the future.
Be courteous, folks. Be cooperative. Give people something to work with, and when they give you something back, take a swing at it. Bring good vibes to the whole jam.
Scenes where everyone is genuinely having fun are the best.
Scenes where it feels like pulling teeth to get even the barest acknowledgement are, in fact, torture.
