Here's a really quickly done rough draft based on responses here. Suggestions, modifications, and so on are welcome.
Based on the various responses, this is what I’ve come up with so far (some statements of which were copy/pasted here):
Definition:
Roleplay is defined as making a conscious and usually consistent effort to play the role of a particular character. This is done through one’s language and behavior and also by separating one’s out of character behavior with their in character behavior to some degree. Spontaneous just for fun emotes do not constitute as RP unless such emotes are consistent with what the character would actually do. Roleplay is in essence writing and acting a believable role in a particular setting, much like characters from a movie or television show.
When one is actively roleplaying, they are considered in character (IC). When talking about real life, game mechanics, and so on, one is considered out of character (OOC).
Classes of RP:
Roleplaying can be divided into two classes: casual and hardcore.
Casual: Casual roleplay involves less investment in a character’s persona and background than hardcore roleplay. Casual Rpers tend to be more spontaneous and have more vague character outlines, sometimes changing their character radically on a whim. This school of RP tends to care a bit less about character relations with other characters and are often more concerned with roleplaying ‘on the side’ while playing the game. In character interactions are usually limited in comparison to hardcore roleplaying.
Hardcore: Hardcore Rpers tend to be heavily invested in their characters, creating in depth personalities and backgrounds while keeping it relatively constant throughout the growth of a character. They will typically have a solid understanding of their character's traits and lifeline and will typically pay more attention to smaller details about their characters, such as their quirks and habits.
Based on the various responses, this is what I’ve come up with so far (some statements of which were copy/pasted here):
Definition:
Roleplay is defined as making a conscious and usually consistent effort to play the role of a particular character. This is done through one’s language and behavior and also by separating one’s out of character behavior with their in character behavior to some degree. Spontaneous just for fun emotes do not constitute as RP unless such emotes are consistent with what the character would actually do. Roleplay is in essence writing and acting a believable role in a particular setting, much like characters from a movie or television show.
When one is actively roleplaying, they are considered in character (IC). When talking about real life, game mechanics, and so on, one is considered out of character (OOC).
Classes of RP:
Roleplaying can be divided into two classes: casual and hardcore.
Casual: Casual roleplay involves less investment in a character’s persona and background than hardcore roleplay. Casual Rpers tend to be more spontaneous and have more vague character outlines, sometimes changing their character radically on a whim. This school of RP tends to care a bit less about character relations with other characters and are often more concerned with roleplaying ‘on the side’ while playing the game. In character interactions are usually limited in comparison to hardcore roleplaying.
Hardcore: Hardcore Rpers tend to be heavily invested in their characters, creating in depth personalities and backgrounds while keeping it relatively constant throughout the growth of a character. They will typically have a solid understanding of their character's traits and lifeline and will typically pay more attention to smaller details about their characters, such as their quirks and habits.
