(06-11-2014, 01:02 PM)Hiroshu Wrote:(06-11-2014, 10:22 AM)C Wrote: [quote=Knight Kat]
It does not matter what your character is, or what your character does, do not go searching with expectations and limitations. You want to enter a bar? Do it. "But my character does not drink alcohol." Then get some damn tea. Want to go to Thanalan? "But my character does not go to Thanalan." You had some bad tea, and while intoxicated, took a caravan to Thanalan. Your character wakes up there; not knowing how the heck he/she got there.
That's a great point. I'd say stop worrying about what your character would NEVER do. Start thinking about why they did it this time. Stories are interesting not when everything goes to plan, but when the plan gets ruined. That's what changes your character over time and allows them to grow.
This. This this this this. I've heard many people say OoCly "Man, I would love to go to that, but my character never would!" A lot of people. A looooooot of people. Sometimes I've even tried helping by giving theoretical scenarios, but it usually feels like throwing dry pasta at a wall. The intent is there, but nothing sticks.
I've played a stoic, no-nonsense sort of character before, who was a huge recluse on top of it. I was able to shove him into all sorts of awkward situations that he greatly disapproved of when I wanted to. He was at the beach party because his employers insisted that he chaperone. He begrudgingly went into that dangerous dungeon to collect some vital samples for his research. While he hated every minute of it, it was still a fun time for me, and I never felt that I was being "untrue" to my character for putting him into an element that made him uncomfortable. We're still the masterminds behind our characters - the grand orchestrators of all that happens in their world - not the other way around. ^^ So, if you really want to participate in something, just think of a reason. Everyone is motivated by something.
TL;DR: /emphatically agrees!