Getting into character... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Getting into character... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
WayneTheGame
09-05-06, 11:38 AM Frequently I find myself running into an issue when I play, and I'm really at a loss for good tips and/or tricks to help: The problem is that I have a very hard time "getting into character" when I sit down at the table.

I mean.. I have a concept worked out, I have some personality traits and quirks written down, but I just can't do it; when it boils down to roleplaying, I just speak normally and can't bring out any of those personality traits in my mannerisms or vocal patterns. Now, the rest of the group is similar (i.e. we all tend to roleplay characters the same way no matter what they are), I'm a pretty shy person in real life so I think that may have something to do with it (that and I am younger than most of the rest of the group), but it's very frustrating because it gets so boring and monotone.

I'm wondering what you do to help get into character and roleplay, because I sure need all the help I can get to do it effectively :) If needed I'll post my concept and personality traits to get specific advice, but I'm also looking for general help that I can apply to any character, not just the one I have now.

Regards,
Wayne
MonkeyPaladin
09-05-06, 01:07 PM I'd recommend coming up with a voice for your character. If he's big, maybe you have a deep rumbling voice, or if he's a halfing you have a high squeaky voice. Or do an accent. That way when you're talking, you're talking as that character. Maybe a gesture or two that he does. It's not theatre, you don't have to go that far just to give the impression of who your PC is. Your next character would have a different voice.
coolpenguin410
09-05-06, 03:37 PM What I suggest is create a character that is very similar to yourself, that way when you're speaking for the character, you speaking how you would speak. Then give it a twist. Do something slightly different than you would normally do, but can do easily. Every session extend this a little more. Eventually you'll start to enjoy it more and become more comfortable with it. Also, your group will start enjoying your role-playing as much as you are, which will give you more encouragement to expand your role-playing repetoire. Just remember, it's supposed to be fun.

Personally, I don't make voices for my characters, it's just physically hard for me to come up with accents and different voice pitches...
Kaneohe
09-06-06, 12:34 AM The way I usually begin is by treating the other people at the table in character. When speaking about my character, I say "I" rather than "my character." When I talk to other players about something in game, I address them by character name. When an NPC gets to talking with us, I speak as if I were my character - not transforming my voice or anything, just speaking through in-game in the 1st person rather than the 3rd.

Of course, it's all subject to the game you're in...just don't do anything too out-of-place right away and it shouldn't bother anybody.
Galamere
09-06-06, 05:35 AM I have a similar problem when I game, mainly because we have a few really...wild...players that will get out of character and never look back. I've been working on my characters and helping with their own (new) ones for a bit and thus far the strategy that has been working well for me is as follows.

A) Take a tip from our good friend The Art of War and mix your veterans with your new recruits. in application if you are having trouble staying in character find the one who has been playing the longest/is best at staying in character and sit yourself next to them. I know, you want to sit with your best friend (in the case of a rather random pick up group of players, we have all played in these) but in the end that can hinder more than help. Granted you will be more comfortable with your friend, but if you are just chatting with him/her more so than RPing you are not only hurting yourself but the experience of the other. That is what I had to do during my first few sessions (and still would if my old school player were still in our group) and it definitely helped to keep in character.

B) Another good tactic, as mentioned, is to use voices and accents to help keep in the mind set. I played a character with more of an english accent for a bit and the day before/leading up to the game I tried to say everything in that accent, granted it got me a few odd looks with people I knew, but if they were around me enough to notice the accent then they usually knew I gamed as well and just took it in stride (I also picked up the accent from voice chat in European server games, it just sticks well with me for some reason) One of our better RPers was a new guy but was playing a little kid that was a bard, so he used a very high pitched voice coupled with the naiveté' of the character made for great RP and always got a laugh.

C) Lastly, and this is the area I have been helping our other players with, create a detailed background that explains a lot about your character and what drives him/her. We have all experienced varied media that has just kept us hooked, be it in book format, a game is an excellent story, or a movie that kept you on the edge of your seat. If you can come up with an idea like this then it can be easier to stay in character not only by your own merit, but because other players will be wanting to see what your character does next. That said, the angsty loner types, in my experience, just don’t seem to mesh well with the group at the table, it seems those rolls were better left to the books and games.

Case in point I was playing a Warlock that was dieing of a disease and because of his upbringing knew he was dieing, as a result he didn’t get close to people because he knew he was not long for this world, looking to extend his life he turned to fell energies and trained at various magic schools until his growing powers frightened the instructors and he was driven away. I thought it was a great story and I was in character quite a bit, coughing and speaking a rasping voice when he spoke, but to my dismay no one asked once about his background because of his harsh attitude. In the end the character was scrapped for a merc. who was quite outspoken and he was been thriving in our group.

However that is just one example of something that didn’t work in my group, if you have people willing to be more curious about backgrounds and to pull these angsty characters out of their shells then go for it. I'm just trying to give you a fair warning.
Rosary
09-07-06, 05:33 AM For starters, in my experience characters never come fully developed out of the box (or your head, or whereever you keep your brain :) ) . They usually require three or four gaming sessions before beginning to form, that is, before I can get into character and react like they would to a given situation. So don't panic if your character seems fuzzy and not-so-well-defined right from the beginning - it's only natural. You have to get to know one another.

A good start is to find certain expressions, oaths and curses that your character repeatedly uses - this causes him to be familar to the other players and helps you get into character. Don't be afraid to make them silly or funny, in time they develop into something believable. Think up new ones as you go along and stick to those you like.
Accents or similar voice acting (in my humble opinion) can quickly become irritating for you to do, and above all, the game is supposed to be fun.

Final bit of advice:
If you really have a hard time roleplaying, don't be afraid to use stereotypes; they've become stereotypes for a reason after all. They're easy and fun to play, and you probably already have a good idea on how to play a distant, full-of-himself wizard, the noble do-gooder paladin or a half-orc barbarian who got kicked out of his hometown.

Hope it helps, Waynethegame.
Alakar
09-07-06, 10:32 AM I like to listen to music before I play,this can do wonders for your mentality. For instance, lately I have been playing a Warblade. His temple had be attacked and for the most part destroyed, his demeanor is what I would call the "Silent Storm". He rarely speaks, and fears the anger that is festering inside his heart. To get into character I listen to "The Animal I have Become" by Three Days Grace. Hope this helps.
WayneTheGame
09-07-06, 10:50 AM Thanks everyone for the replies.. they do help. I'll see what I can do to add to the mood.. maybe the problem is that my group is rather laid back so we usually don't get that much into character anyways.

I think I'm going to bring back his accent.. I had wanted him to speak with a hybrid Australian/British accent (since I can't quite do one or the other completely...) but I thought it would be silly. However, I did like it and it helped define when I was talking as myself (no accent) or my character (accent).

Thanks again!
Draegun Fury
09-08-06, 12:42 AM I find repetition helps.

For example, every morning you might say something like "Wakie wakie hands off snaky, we've got a long road t'day" people will at you or think your weird (both in and out of character) the first time, but after awhile it begins define your character.

Always order the same drink at the bars you go to.

For example: You might always say somethinglike "What a day, what a day, best make it two ales and sip of whisky thanks"

When ordering a second round you might say something like "So what's it take to get anothe round ol'boy(/girl), best make it a double, five ales and a shot!"

People will think you're no good at maths or something, but really your character's just saying what comes natural and making sure he's well stocked up on booze (in this example he's obviously an alchoholic).

When your character goes to bed each night, have him say something that'll make the other plaer's smirk. You don't have to succeed just try.

Not being funny can make for a very defining character, but not being funny whilst trying to be funny can be even better. The jokster that can't tell a joke. It's like the fighter that can't fight ;)

Just choose something and stick with it, over time, for good or bad, it will define your character.

To see an example of one of my character's traits click on the SBlock below.

I have a charcter that NEVER speaks before he's had breakfast. If someone asks hima question he just stares(/glares) at them, then walks off.

After breakfast he always throws something to someone, and comments on it, like a knife that needs sharpening, or a leftover bit of meat that needs eating, or a plate that needs cleaning.

For the rest of the day he won't say a thing to the person he threw something at.

At the inn he always sits at a table nearest the bar with his back to the wall. He orders two ales (one for drinking one for sipping).

If they're eatting, its two sausages and mashed potato.

He never says thanks, but he always complments the food or ale or just the service in general. If all the above as crap he compliments the night/day.

Before going to bed he prays the same prayer, then places his dagger under his pillow and sleeps holding both it and the hilt of his sword.

After killing something(at the END of an encounter) he always spits on it, and throws his sword down. He washes himself with whatever water is near by hocking and spitting. He generally won't tough his sword again for an hour or so. If the party has to keep going he'll just sit there until someone passes him his sword. Then he won't speak to that person for the rest of the day (the person he previously wasn't talking to now becomes available for conversation).

He always sleeps in the stables in town, and will always pay the first beggar he sees atleast a gold.

However he will never help someone who is in trouble unless they ask for it.

He someone starts a fight with him, he replys "Is this really what you want?" if they continue to provoke him he uses his quick draw feat to draw his blade a cut down his opponent in a quick and efficient(/ruthless) manner. He then takes the person's purse, and pulls out just enough to pay for the persons burial, throwing it on the ground around said person he pockets the purse and continues on his way.

Etc. Etc.

Just taking these few (or not so few :P) things and applying them all the time, makes the character a very rich and believeable person.

I also talk with a hybrid scottish/german accent.

Cheers.
Galamere
09-08-06, 03:18 AM Good Goddesses Fury, that character sounds like it would be fun as hell to play ^_^ Now you've gone and given me all kinds of ideas for character quirks, my own ones though, I never liked copying. Oh, and grats on the little girl :)

On another note, a fun way to stay if character is, if it fits, make the character religious, and then from time to time make sure to say something akin to a quote, oath, or curse.

As an example when I am able I make my characters the followers of dragon gods. It ended up leading to one of the most...unique...games I have played.

It involved a one shot game where I played a halfling monk (we had to pick from pre-generated characters, and this was the only male monk) a party of about 10 female members (both in character and IRL, and it was a big game, about 12 of us, not counting the two DM's we needed to run it) a dungeon that was filling with lava, and the only way out was through a red dragon nest. Let's just say that in the end only my character was allowed to even keep his clothes...As a fun aside because of my quick thinking not only was the party saved, but the dragon took me under it's wing as it were and I was allowed (even the other players agreed to it) to become a dragon disciple...talk about a wacky game...

in short, when everything is falling apart, and if all else fails, go in character and start pulling things out of your bum, if you do it well enough (like dropping to your knees before a VERY ****** off red dragon mommy and swearing fealty based on your faith...don’t forget to complement it...their very vain) Sometimes the DM will take pity on you and give you an out. (In my Halfling's case I was put in charge of everyone else as an overseer and told to collect their items for the hoard. Then she ferried us all out of there before the lava got us.)
SpawnOfMorgoth
09-10-06, 06:55 PM I found the best loved characters had a written history and background before play began. You have to have a concept you are attracted to if you are to 'get into it' for an extended period of time. But it sounds like you got the background covered and are just looking for 'hooks' to get you from drifting out of character.

Sometimes just your posture will help you get/stay into character. When I played an orc (though this could apply to any feral template too) I figured he was uncivilized and never learned to use a chair properly. I would stand on the chair then hunker down when I was in character. If I was sitting regularly on the char I was speaking as the player, hunker style the game was on!

You might want to come up with some catch phrases you can use to get into character. Fill out several responses the character might have when doing a typical adventuring activity (entering a bar/inn, responding to either a direct or an implied slight in public, doing a 'planning' session before the big encounter, encountering a weaker foe, encountering a dangerous foe, etc.). For the above orc I might rattle off "Oi! What's a real warrior gotta do to get a drink in this @#$$-hole?" "I might be a little slow, but was that some comment meant to be your attempt at commiting suicide?" "yea... sure... When did you say I get to kill things?" "YAWN! Would you all please line up more orderly, you will all get your turn" "I sure am glad I am wearing my brown pants" Also being an orc, a pre or post phase grunt was often tossed in.

Anyway, keep a list of great one-liners and phrases or record them on index cards and relive the wit and wisdom of your character. Even if you don't want to create 'catch-phrases' that you can recycle back into generic situations, you will remind yourself of the 'style' you have established and be able to 'talk' in-character (hopefully) without any undue pauses. Whenever you feel the 'mood' sliding, re-read your collection of phrases to recapture the character's essence.
dvlsadvct
09-11-06, 03:38 PM In a recent game my DM has a stroke of genius to help bring some roleplay into some of the less experienced players. To summarize all of the characters have donned a ring that binds them all together similar to a hive mind, however these rings are also apparently cursed and cannot be removed, yet. Now, every day the DM rolls % and hands you a note card. On that note card is some sort of character affliction i.e. vanity, snoodiness, helpfulness and in some cases debilitating i.e. sickness, fatigue. Then he encourages everyone to play it up to the fullest. It is turning out to be an enjoyable role-play. To adapt this, write out your own personality on note cards, stereotypes were mentioned, these are the easiest to play up. It would be a helpful reminder of who you are and would set you apart from the pack.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
WayneTheGame 09-05-06, 11:38 AM	Frequently I find myself running into an issue when I play, and I'm really at a loss for good tips and/or tricks to help: The problem is that I have a very hard time "getting into character" when I sit down at the table. I mean.. I have a concept worked out, I have some personality traits and quirks written down, but I just can't do it; when it boils down to roleplaying, I just speak normally and can't bring out any of those personality traits in my mannerisms or vocal patterns. Now, the rest of the group is similar (i.e. we all tend to roleplay characters the same way no matter what they are), I'm a pretty shy person in real life so I think that may have something to do with it (that and I am younger than most of the rest of the group), but it's very frustrating because it gets so boring and monotone. I'm wondering what you do to help get into character and roleplay, because I sure need all the help I can get to do it effectively :) If needed I'll post my concept and personality traits to get specific advice, but I'm also looking for general help that I can apply to any character, not just the one I have now. Regards, Wayne
MonkeyPaladin 09-05-06, 01:07 PM	I'd recommend coming up with a voice for your character. If he's big, maybe you have a deep rumbling voice, or if he's a halfing you have a high squeaky voice. Or do an accent. That way when you're talking, you're talking as that character. Maybe a gesture or two that he does. It's not theatre, you don't have to go that far just to give the impression of who your PC is. Your next character would have a different voice.
coolpenguin410 09-05-06, 03:37 PM	What I suggest is create a character that is very similar to yourself, that way when you're speaking for the character, you speaking how you would speak. Then give it a twist. Do something slightly different than you would normally do, but can do easily. Every session extend this a little more. Eventually you'll start to enjoy it more and become more comfortable with it. Also, your group will start enjoying your role-playing as much as you are, which will give you more encouragement to expand your role-playing repetoire. Just remember, it's supposed to be fun. Personally, I don't make voices for my characters, it's just physically hard for me to come up with accents and different voice pitches...
Kaneohe 09-06-06, 12:34 AM	The way I usually begin is by treating the other people at the table in character. When speaking about my character, I say "I" rather than "my character." When I talk to other players about something in game, I address them by character name. When an NPC gets to talking with us, I speak as if I were my character - not transforming my voice or anything, just speaking through in-game in the 1st person rather than the 3rd. Of course, it's all subject to the game you're in...just don't do anything too out-of-place right away and it shouldn't bother anybody.
Galamere 09-06-06, 05:35 AM	I have a similar problem when I game, mainly because we have a few really...wild...players that will get out of character and never look back. I've been working on my characters and helping with their own (new) ones for a bit and thus far the strategy that has been working well for me is as follows. A) Take a tip from our good friend The Art of War and mix your veterans with your new recruits. in application if you are having trouble staying in character find the one who has been playing the longest/is best at staying in character and sit yourself next to them. I know, you want to sit with your best friend (in the case of a rather random pick up group of players, we have all played in these) but in the end that can hinder more than help. Granted you will be more comfortable with your friend, but if you are just chatting with him/her more so than RPing you are not only hurting yourself but the experience of the other. That is what I had to do during my first few sessions (and still would if my old school player were still in our group) and it definitely helped to keep in character. B) Another good tactic, as mentioned, is to use voices and accents to help keep in the mind set. I played a character with more of an english accent for a bit and the day before/leading up to the game I tried to say everything in that accent, granted it got me a few odd looks with people I knew, but if they were around me enough to notice the accent then they usually knew I gamed as well and just took it in stride (I also picked up the accent from voice chat in European server games, it just sticks well with me for some reason) One of our better RPers was a new guy but was playing a little kid that was a bard, so he used a very high pitched voice coupled with the naiveté' of the character made for great RP and always got a laugh. C) Lastly, and this is the area I have been helping our other players with, create a detailed background that explains a lot about your character and what drives him/her. We have all experienced varied media that has just kept us hooked, be it in book format, a game is an excellent story, or a movie that kept you on the edge of your seat. If you can come up with an idea like this then it can be easier to stay in character not only by your own merit, but because other players will be wanting to see what your character does next. That said, the angsty loner types, in my experience, just don’t seem to mesh well with the group at the table, it seems those rolls were better left to the books and games. Case in point I was playing a Warlock that was dieing of a disease and because of his upbringing knew he was dieing, as a result he didn’t get close to people because he knew he was not long for this world, looking to extend his life he turned to fell energies and trained at various magic schools until his growing powers frightened the instructors and he was driven away. I thought it was a great story and I was in character quite a bit, coughing and speaking a rasping voice when he spoke, but to my dismay no one asked once about his background because of his harsh attitude. In the end the character was scrapped for a merc. who was quite outspoken and he was been thriving in our group. However that is just one example of something that didn’t work in my group, if you have people willing to be more curious about backgrounds and to pull these angsty characters out of their shells then go for it. I'm just trying to give you a fair warning.
Rosary 09-07-06, 05:33 AM	For starters, in my experience characters never come fully developed out of the box (or your head, or whereever you keep your brain :) ) . They usually require three or four gaming sessions before beginning to form, that is, before I can get into character and react like they would to a given situation. So don't panic if your character seems fuzzy and not-so-well-defined right from the beginning - it's only natural. You have to get to know one another. A good start is to find certain expressions, oaths and curses that your character repeatedly uses - this causes him to be familar to the other players and helps you get into character. Don't be afraid to make them silly or funny, in time they develop into something believable. Think up new ones as you go along and stick to those you like. Accents or similar voice acting (in my humble opinion) can quickly become irritating for you to do, and above all, the game is supposed to be fun. Final bit of advice: If you really have a hard time roleplaying, don't be afraid to use stereotypes; they've become stereotypes for a reason after all. They're easy and fun to play, and you probably already have a good idea on how to play a distant, full-of-himself wizard, the noble do-gooder paladin or a half-orc barbarian who got kicked out of his hometown. Hope it helps, Waynethegame.
Alakar 09-07-06, 10:32 AM	I like to listen to music before I play,this can do wonders for your mentality. For instance, lately I have been playing a Warblade. His temple had be attacked and for the most part destroyed, his demeanor is what I would call the "Silent Storm". He rarely speaks, and fears the anger that is festering inside his heart. To get into character I listen to "The Animal I have Become" by Three Days Grace. Hope this helps.
WayneTheGame 09-07-06, 10:50 AM	Thanks everyone for the replies.. they do help. I'll see what I can do to add to the mood.. maybe the problem is that my group is rather laid back so we usually don't get that much into character anyways. I think I'm going to bring back his accent.. I had wanted him to speak with a hybrid Australian/British accent (since I can't quite do one or the other completely...) but I thought it would be silly. However, I did like it and it helped define when I was talking as myself (no accent) or my character (accent). Thanks again!
Draegun Fury 09-08-06, 12:42 AM	I find repetition helps. For example, every morning you might say something like "Wakie wakie hands off snaky, we've got a long road t'day" people will at you or think your weird (both in and out of character) the first time, but after awhile it begins define your character. Always order the same drink at the bars you go to. For example: You might always say somethinglike "What a day, what a day, best make it two ales and sip of whisky thanks" When ordering a second round you might say something like "So what's it take to get anothe round ol'boy(/girl), best make it a double, five ales and a shot!" People will think you're no good at maths or something, but really your character's just saying what comes natural and making sure he's well stocked up on booze (in this example he's obviously an alchoholic). When your character goes to bed each night, have him say something that'll make the other plaer's smirk. You don't have to succeed just try. Not being funny can make for a very defining character, but not being funny whilst trying to be funny can be even better. The jokster that can't tell a joke. It's like the fighter that can't fight ;) Just choose something and stick with it, over time, for good or bad, it will define your character. To see an example of one of my character's traits click on the SBlock below. I have a charcter that NEVER speaks before he's had breakfast. If someone asks hima question he just stares(/glares) at them, then walks off. After breakfast he always throws something to someone, and comments on it, like a knife that needs sharpening, or a leftover bit of meat that needs eating, or a plate that needs cleaning. For the rest of the day he won't say a thing to the person he threw something at. At the inn he always sits at a table nearest the bar with his back to the wall. He orders two ales (one for drinking one for sipping). If they're eatting, its two sausages and mashed potato. He never says thanks, but he always complments the food or ale or just the service in general. If all the above as crap he compliments the night/day. Before going to bed he prays the same prayer, then places his dagger under his pillow and sleeps holding both it and the hilt of his sword. After killing something(at the END of an encounter) he always spits on it, and throws his sword down. He washes himself with whatever water is near by hocking and spitting. He generally won't tough his sword again for an hour or so. If the party has to keep going he'll just sit there until someone passes him his sword. Then he won't speak to that person for the rest of the day (the person he previously wasn't talking to now becomes available for conversation). He always sleeps in the stables in town, and will always pay the first beggar he sees atleast a gold. However he will never help someone who is in trouble unless they ask for it. He someone starts a fight with him, he replys "Is this really what you want?" if they continue to provoke him he uses his quick draw feat to draw his blade a cut down his opponent in a quick and efficient(/ruthless) manner. He then takes the person's purse, and pulls out just enough to pay for the persons burial, throwing it on the ground around said person he pockets the purse and continues on his way. Etc. Etc. Just taking these few (or not so few :P) things and applying them all the time, makes the character a very rich and believeable person. I also talk with a hybrid scottish/german accent. Cheers.
Galamere 09-08-06, 03:18 AM	Good Goddesses Fury, that character sounds like it would be fun as hell to play ^_^ Now you've gone and given me all kinds of ideas for character quirks, my own ones though, I never liked copying. Oh, and grats on the little girl :) On another note, a fun way to stay if character is, if it fits, make the character religious, and then from time to time make sure to say something akin to a quote, oath, or curse. As an example when I am able I make my characters the followers of dragon gods. It ended up leading to one of the most...unique...games I have played. It involved a one shot game where I played a halfling monk (we had to pick from pre-generated characters, and this was the only male monk) a party of about 10 female members (both in character and IRL, and it was a big game, about 12 of us, not counting the two DM's we needed to run it) a dungeon that was filling with lava, and the only way out was through a red dragon nest. Let's just say that in the end only my character was allowed to even keep his clothes...As a fun aside because of my quick thinking not only was the party saved, but the dragon took me under it's wing as it were and I was allowed (even the other players agreed to it) to become a dragon disciple...talk about a wacky game... in short, when everything is falling apart, and if all else fails, go in character and start pulling things out of your bum, if you do it well enough (like dropping to your knees before a VERY ****** off red dragon mommy and swearing fealty based on your faith...don’t forget to complement it...their very vain) Sometimes the DM will take pity on you and give you an out. (In my Halfling's case I was put in charge of everyone else as an overseer and told to collect their items for the hoard. Then she ferried us all out of there before the lava got us.)
SpawnOfMorgoth 09-10-06, 06:55 PM	I found the best loved characters had a written history and background before play began. You have to have a concept you are attracted to if you are to 'get into it' for an extended period of time. But it sounds like you got the background covered and are just looking for 'hooks' to get you from drifting out of character. Sometimes just your posture will help you get/stay into character. When I played an orc (though this could apply to any feral template too) I figured he was uncivilized and never learned to use a chair properly. I would stand on the chair then hunker down when I was in character. If I was sitting regularly on the char I was speaking as the player, hunker style the game was on! You might want to come up with some catch phrases you can use to get into character. Fill out several responses the character might have when doing a typical adventuring activity (entering a bar/inn, responding to either a direct or an implied slight in public, doing a 'planning' session before the big encounter, encountering a weaker foe, encountering a dangerous foe, etc.). For the above orc I might rattle off "Oi! What's a real warrior gotta do to get a drink in this @#$$-hole?" "I might be a little slow, but was that some comment meant to be your attempt at commiting suicide?" "yea... sure... When did you say I get to kill things?" "YAWN! Would you all please line up more orderly, you will all get your turn" "I sure am glad I am wearing my brown pants" Also being an orc, a pre or post phase grunt was often tossed in. Anyway, keep a list of great one-liners and phrases or record them on index cards and relive the wit and wisdom of your character. Even if you don't want to create 'catch-phrases' that you can recycle back into generic situations, you will remind yourself of the 'style' you have established and be able to 'talk' in-character (hopefully) without any undue pauses. Whenever you feel the 'mood' sliding, re-read your collection of phrases to recapture the character's essence.
dvlsadvct 09-11-06, 03:38 PM	In a recent game my DM has a stroke of genius to help bring some roleplay into some of the less experienced players. To summarize all of the characters have donned a ring that binds them all together similar to a hive mind, however these rings are also apparently cursed and cannot be removed, yet. Now, every day the DM rolls % and hands you a note card. On that note card is some sort of character affliction i.e. vanity, snoodiness, helpfulness and in some cases debilitating i.e. sickness, fatigue. Then he encourages everyone to play it up to the fullest. It is turning out to be an enjoyable role-play. To adapt this, write out your own personality on note cards, stereotypes were mentioned, these are the easiest to play up. It would be a helpful reminder of who you are and would set you apart from the pack.