Greetings gamers from all systems, places, and timelines.
Recently, we released a podcast from a listener’s question on how to handle a player that wants to be in every scene as if they were the star of the show. But, just as many times, we have encountered a wide range of equally reserved players, who can be anywhere from being somewhat uncomfortable with taking the lead in a scene to doing a five hour impersonation of Silent Bob. This could be for a number of reasons, such as that they are newer to the system or haven’t found their groove at the table.
Likewise, this can happen with experienced players who are on their seventh character and this particular one just isn’t clicking. Because how you conceptualize someone in your head is almost never how they end up once the game starts. Like Gerald who was intended to be a fearless knight, but during the actual game ended up more like John Ritter from Three’s Company. If any of this sounds familiar then you are in luck. As we have composed a list of seven tips to help you bring out your character’s potential without turning you into an obnoxious power gamer, like myself, in the process.
1. Be Familiar With All Aspects of Your Character
While this seems obvious, some players participate less than others because they lack confidence on what they should say or do. Being quiet is often a safe play when you’re not sure how or where you can contribute to the game, allowing yourself to fall back into a support role to be called on when needed.
One way to help move past this is by having a better understanding of your character’s abilities, history, and personality. Or, at least, being familiar enough with them so that these character qualities can be used to add value to the game when the opportunity arises. For example, If your character has the city watch background, they could inquire “how strong is the guard presence here at the market and do I notice anything suspicious?”
2. Review The Plot And Details of The Game
Something which I’ve noticed with players of all experience ranges who are reserved at game time is that they may not be clear on some of the details of the campaign. To which the simple answer is just to ask about what you might be confused about, whether it was something they didn’t catch from last session’s recap or eight games ago.
As an example from my college days, I’ve had classmates who would rather be stabbed in the eye with a number two pencil than speak in front of everyone, let alone to reveal to the entire class just how lost they are. While others want to add commentary like they are getting paid to be the second professor in the room. So, If you’re not a fan of revealing what you don’t know to the group then perhaps approach your DM outside of the game or even that one player who always takes notes privately so there is less pressure involved.
3. Be Involved With The Other Characters
One thing which binds veteran and inexperienced players together is they both will need some game time to develop a new character’s personality. And a great place to accomplish this is with some good organic roleplay between the other party members, because sometimes some of the most memorable roleplay in games can take place when a scene unfolds unexpectedly.
For example, some of the best character development in my current game occurred not in the heat of a battle but during the nightly watches. As these scenarios are low pressure and a player who already may be a little unsure is probably only interacting with one other person. This will spare them from trying to find just the right moment and opportunity to interject their thoughts at the table.
4. Decide What Drives Your Character
Players can get overwhelmed or frustrated with the character creation process because some of their peers at the table may write super complex backstories and that’s simply not their bag. And, as awesome as it is, when a player brings that type of energy to the game, you don’t need to write a five page detailed story to make your character have a goal or some interesting quirks.
Come up with some defining factors, like if they are excessively brave to the point there is no talking any sense into them. Are they angry at the gods for some part of the tragic backstory or they have been separated from their lover? Hell, one of my players once came to me and said “I want to have a life threatening curse which is slowly going to take my life if I cannot find the cure.” So reach out to your DM and explain to them that you are interested in portraying your character in a certain way or you would like to explore a specific aspect of the story. In this way, you and the person running the game can collaborate in a win-win situation for everyone.
5. Have Your To-Do List Handy
Some of my strongest in-game moments occur when I’m prepared. As when most players begin the session they will most likely still be warming up or wait for the DM to provide them with something which would interest their character. Instead, when it’s your turn, have some plans ready such as questions or actions you would like to attempt. If you’re planning anything too audacious then you might want to loop the DM in so they can prep accordingly.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of breaking the ice of the session consider that it is easier to try and accomplish something when the floor is open than when five other players are all having a fiery debate about how they should get across this rickety old bridge. So, in the beginning of the session where everyone is still checking to make sure that they have all five of their favorite sets of dice in position and the DM asks what is everyone doing, chime in with your plans.
6. Be a Team Player
Why is this important? Because if you’re focused on strengthening your team, then you are constantly adding value to both the session and your party. So what does that look like? If one of the other players has a goal that they are interested in completing, then let them know that you are on board. As this can be a low hanging fruit for character development and story development.
If you’re not an expert in combat mechanics, that’s ok. Just keep an eye out during any given battle to see if any of your fellow players are seriously wounded or are outright down. You want to make a friend for the life of that game, right? Tag the character who has already failed two Death Saves with Cure Wounds. Because I have witnessed veteran players get caught up in what they are doing on the battle map while their teammates are getting shredded.
7. Don’t Hold Back
If you are a newer player, or are running a character who just came out of the shrink wrap, being less involved can be an easy default. Because no one wants to say or do something which is embarrassing. But odds are you were invited to a table because they thought you were cool, not because you are a master tactician or are expected to deliver a Shakespearean level performance. So, if you want to try something, go for it and don’t worry about it if you come off as a little corny. In fact, some of the best character performances which were ever delivered were also arguably a little hammy and ridiculous. Besides, if the people at the table are likewise cool, they will encourage you to take a scene and run with it even if you were to make a rookie mistake.
Final Thoughts
Maybe being out in front isn’t your thing regardless of your level of experience and if it’s not then that’s ok. It may arguably be a good thing because you can’t have six players all working independently trying to call the shots. However, every RPG system I’ve played in has been a collaborative game which if successful was driven by the continual efforts, creativity and imagination of both the DM and all of its players. Not just a select few stars but by the entire cast.
When you’re ready for your spotlight, make sure you’ve got the proper dice on hand too for all those Nat 20s you’re going to roll. Make sure to check out our affiliate link at FanRoll Dice to get 10% off your entire order.
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