The Ellipsis!

[Vysce the Lad]

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~. 

 

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~! :moogle:

[Jack]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Dravus]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

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]

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.

[Brynhilde]

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

[Claris]

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]

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.

[Mae]

I use ellipsis' (ellipsi? or is it like moose where it's both singular and plural?) a lot. Probably more than I should, but I find it to be super versatile. I use it to indicate pauses in trains of thought and moments where someone is struggling to find the right word, trailing off, and moments of silence of any flavor. I also use it when someone else has paused for a little bit and I'm not quite sure if they're waiting for me to respond or they're still typing -- to sort of indicate that, yes, I'm still there, I'm just waiting to make sure that they're done.

 

And then, there's my favorite:

 

"..."

"... ..."

"... ... ..."

 

Which I use for dawning realization.

[Naunet]

- Before dialogue, to indicate a slow response for some reason

- At the end of dialogue, usually when a character trails off with an incomplete thought

- In the middle of dialogue for various pacing reasons

 

I think that about covers my use of ellipses.

[Zyrusticae]

For indicating that your post still needs more room to continue, might I suggest using the [...] in square brackets at the end? Fairly unambiguous and you can use it in contexts outside of RP for when you are, for example, taking quotes out-of-context and want to indicate as much.

 

Speaking of out-of-context quoting, it would be nice if more people made it clear when they are doing as much.

[Oscare]

- Before dialogue, to indicate a slow response for some reason

- At the end of dialogue, usually when a character trails off with an incomplete thought

- In the middle of dialogue for various pacing reasons

 

I think that about covers my use of ellipses.

This. Exactly this.

 

I usually use it for incomplete thoughts or pauses.

[Jana]

I use them a lot, actually. Because Jana is so socially awkward, my pre- and mid-sentence ellipsis are usually when she's trying to find the right words to something. At the end of a sentence, I usually have them there to indicate when she's not just trailing off, but also leaving something unsaid (either out of her general discomfort or because she simply couldn't find the words). However, I never actually use "..." as a statement in itself. If Jana's silent as a response, I'll usually specify if she's being silent because she has nothing to say or if it's because she's, again, uncomfortable and can't find the right words.

[Edvyn]

I use ellipses sometimes for pauses and that's about it, dealing with people who abuse the fucking things has made me very wary of them

[Antain]

Vaughn has a speech pattern where he hesitates in the middle of speaking. It's to convey his slight stutter. Nobody seems to mind yet!