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Vysce the Lad · **01-11-2015, 04:11 AM**

Otherwise known as the "..."

So before I ask, usually there is a sort of pattern to rp when you talk with people. I'm referring to the you-post, they-post, you post, ect pattern. If your character likes to talk a lot, sometimes they can even get in a few more posts before the other person posts.

Then there's the mysterious "..." I know -what- it is, but it's used in a bunch of ways in video games, literature, and rp! I've seen it typed alone, usually meaning the character is at a loss for words or is remaining silent. There's also when it's used at the end of a sentence. Mostly from what I've seen, it's when a character hasn't yet completed their train of thought and either are hinting that you should inquire further, they do not wish to elaborate further, or (if they type fast) they will continue their sentence afterwards. This is sometimes done for dramatic effect~.Â

In the pattern rp (you post, they post, you post) how would you treat an "..." ? Would that be them skipping a turn and allowing you to post again? I do find some broody folks over-using it because their character is silent or grumpy... which just makes it my job to make the rp fun for everyone anyway (hehe, sometimes~)

So how do you approach the ellipsis? I just wanna ask everyone! Post away~!Â Moogle

Jack · **01-11-2015, 04:23 AM**

I generally use it as a way of trailing off. "Also my foot got stuck, but that's neither here nor there..." And that would be the end of my thought. I know I confuse people by it. They don't know whether I want to continue talking or if I'm done. Even more confusing for the opposite party, I sometimes do continue talking.

It's really a matter of reading context clues and hoping you aren't interrupting someone when they use it...

And I did it again...

Faye · **01-11-2015, 04:26 AM**

I use "..." to indicate when a sentence kind of trails off, as if it wasn't really finished. So for me, it's punctuation rather than an actual line of "dialogue." Personally, I find it kind of silly when people write "..." to convey the point that their characters is silent rather than actually typing something more descriptive explaining that their character is silent.

When someone types "..." I usually assume they are done with their post and don't wait for another. But it's kind of a peeve of mine when people post numerous one-liners with no unambiguous ending point rather than posting all the information in one paragraph, or even adding in a dash or a -c- so I know they're not done typing between posts.

Kellach Woods · **01-11-2015, 04:33 AM**

Same, trailing off - If I use it and it's not the end, it's in the same damn post.

If I use it on its own, it'll be a simple look of stunned silence followed by a quick quip.

Jariana · **01-11-2015, 05:52 AM**

Like some of the others mentioned, I'll use the ellipsis to indicate the thought just kind of trails off. But on top of that, I'll use it in the middle of a sentence to give the feeling of a change in direction or thought. For example, in a previous game I had a character where the common language wasn't her first. So often she would get lost in the middle of a sentence, searching for a word, and the ellipsis came in handy in portraying that. Something like, "Your idea is... oh, how do you say it? ...ah yes, it is crazy." Admittedly that may not be the 'proper' usage, but it seems to help get that feeling across.

As for responding to an ellipsis, I'm of the feeling that, unless someone has given me an indication that they're continuing a long thought, once something is out there I can respond to it. Just like in spoken conversations, people sometimes interject whenever an opportunity appears, even if the original speaker doesn't feel like they are done yet.

Gegenji · **01-11-2015, 06:13 AM**

Yup, I also use it as a trailing off. Or a pause in the line of thinking, where the character might be searching for what to say next. I find that it helps to... imply that moment where the character is pausing and seeking the words that follow.

Any time I'm using it by itself, or with a question mark (...?), I usually mean it either for what it is - a moment of silence, perhaps incredulous due to the situation at hand - or a sort of basic sound that has no actual words attached to it. ...? specifically is often more like a guttural, wordless version of "... Huh?"

ArmachiA · **01-11-2015, 06:16 AM**

I use it as a pause break, since Armi talks rather uniquely and it's hard to convey in text.

Normal: I don't think I know what that is, can you tell me?
Armi: Ah... I don't think I know what... that really is... but... if you want to tell me, I mean...I'd like to know or...

I've tried dashes, but I don't think they have a long enough kind of start/stop Armi has in her speech.

Cato · **01-11-2015, 06:19 AM**

If I want to portray my character as being at a loss for words then I prefer to just emote something along those lines. Posting something as simple as '...' doesn't really offer much of a hook for other role-players to respond to.

Vysce the Lad · **01-11-2015, 06:32 AM**

Lots of times I use it to convey some sort of pause, too. I don't know why, but I always thought the way Cloud spoke in Dissidia was peculiar and sometimes mimic it with my elezen, Juste.

"Is that so... yet... will I ever find... what I'm looking for?"

It was probably so the japanese animation could match the english dub in Dissidia. I usually only do it when Juste is under duress. Still, I'm tipping my hat to that sort of thing~

Gegenji · **01-11-2015, 06:43 AM**

(01-11-2015, 06:19 AM)Graeham Ridgefield Wrote: If I want to portray my character as being at a loss for words then I prefer to just emote something along those lines. Posting something as simple as '...' doesn't really offer much of a hook for other role-players to respond to.

Oh, definitely. The FFXIV emotes help with that too. I find myself using /alert, /huh/ or even /straight more often than just ellipses as of late. Not only do they also carry the loss for words intent, you also get fitting motions and expressions. Sometimes I'll use them in conjunction, but I almost never do a straight "..." on its lonesome anymore.

Caspar · **01-11-2015, 06:45 AM**

Warning: I'm pretty inclined to use this. Too many PS1 era JRPG. XD

Star Ocean 2 was pretty guilty of this. You had ellipsis and then also an ellipsis emote bubble at the same time occasionally. It was usually a notable lull in the conversation or sudden silence.

Steel Wolf · **01-11-2015, 08:31 AM**

I've also used it as a pause in my character's line of thinking. Generally when I've got to denote my character has blanked out or is searching for the best way to respond, I use an ellipsis.

Bryn · **01-11-2015, 10:08 AM**

The ellipsis, like much punctuation, has several uses. It's a fine example of the flexibility of the English language.

As has been said, it's most often used to signify a 'trailing off' into thought or contemplation. This is called Aposiopesis.

Quote:Brynhilde regarded Steel Wolf for a quiet, hesitant moment, her pale gaze making a quick survey of the Roegadyn's broad shoulders and tautly-muscled form.

"T'is not that I doubt your ability tae win the ballet scholarship." She said carefully, "T'is just that you're not quite..." She circled her palm in the air before herself, quite uselessly.

It's also used as a sort of 'pause' or short silence mid-sentence.

Quote: The Highlander craned her head to look the boy in the eye. She noted his forlorn expression with a frown.

"Ah, Caen. Are... Are you alright?"

I use the ellipsis for both of these uses, but I won't use more than one instance of it in a single sentence unless my character's suddenly awkward, hurt or hesitant. Since use of the ellipsis suggests an inability or unwillingness to respond, it should be used sparingly for characters who don't have communication problems.

As Graeham said, a simple " ... " as reply doesn't really give others much to go on. It also leaves things unclear as to whether you're going to post again, or if it's their turn. In that case you'd likely be better off emoting a silent response.

The "..." as response does have its uses, though. I find it good for conveying that Bryn either can't believe the stupidity of something that was just said to her, or that she's about to turn nasty. It's the 'calm before the storm', if you will. Tongue

Claris · **01-11-2015, 10:22 AM**

Clala is notorious for "..." for comedic effect. Hopefully most people who roleplay with her know this, or will. I should get this macro'd.

/think
....
/shocked or /disappointed

There are so many things going around in that Lala's head, that it takes a long time to process and then overreact to them.

Also a fan of trailing off...
.. and thinking of something else to add.

Flashhelix · **01-11-2015, 10:39 AM**

I mostly use ellipses in the middle of sentences to convey pauses/trailing off. I'm guilty of using ... for silence on occasion, but usually I prefer emoting the fact that my character's just standing there like an idiot with his mouth hanging open.

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The Ellipsis!

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