Community Writing: Roleplay

This is the second suggestion made to me on Twitter for what people would like to see on here. Suggested by Joanna Young over at Confident Writing. Very focused on community, it was no surprise that Joanna made this great suggestion.

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Roleplaying at its core is taking control of a single character among many to make a story with other writers. Building and developing a world in which to place those characters, developing plot, allowing relationships to form between characters, and finally completing the story.

But, is that it? Is there another aspect to roleplaying that the ‘general’ definition omits? I would say so: A side-effect of group creative writing would definitely be community.

Sites like Roleplay Gateway are a prime example of this. With forums for general chatter, a place to ’show off’ artwork and poetry, prose and music; Gateway (as it’s fondly referred to by its members) is a great example of a place where you are not just writing in collaboration, but also part of a much wider community. And with the added benefit of a chat built into the site, the community aspect is greatly increased.

So, why does roleplay open itself so readily to creating community?

It’s because communication is key when working together. Be it on the chat, on the forums, or via private messages and IM, you need to communicate for your roleplay to succeed. Planning on general plot, adding your own twists and sub-plots between characters/players; it all requires you to talk with your fellow writers.

Through this, friendships are created rather quickly: You get an insight into the writer as a person from his writing and ideas, conversations on plot turn into “Hey, how are you today?” and the next thing you know, a friend has been made. Overall, the experience is a good one, and the community aspect is something a lot of roleplayers actually roleplay for.

With so wide a demographic; from young teens just discovering the joys of writing, to seasoned roleplayers and writers up to within their 40’s (the oldest I’ve seen is 42, I believe), you also get to see a greatly varying view on the world. And it is that one mutual interest which brings together so many people.

Your experiences

Have you roleplayed in the past, or still do? Been part of a writing community of any kind? What were/are you experiences? Share them with us!