Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

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Candelori
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Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Candelori »

I would like to start by stating that I am simply seeking advice. This is not an accusation of any kind levelled against the players of COGG. The shortcomings in this situation are my own.

My character is a quiet and introspective one, walking a path that lends itself far more to solitude than socialising. I have been fortunate enough to have some truly special events occur with my character and some few select NPCs, but I am struggling to figure out just how to integrate more with the other player characters of the game. I wondered if there might be others out there who play a more solitary type of character that could offer some advice and share some tips about what might have worked for them to both remain true to the character and still be a part of the rest of the game's playerbase.
My COGG website: https://candelori.neocities.org
You think to yourself, "I am tempted to henceforth refer to this as the Bicker Board."
You experience a sudden flash of insight, as though you have an increased understanding of who you are.
Firesong
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Firesong »

Hi. Thanks for sharing your situation with us. Here's my humble suggestion. I find that relationships do it for me. It's easier for me to be around others when my character is invested in caring for someone else in some fashion or simply wants to check in and make sure everyone is okay. Mostly it involves watching and staying quiet, which isn't always easy. Sometimes other people's roleplay isn't what we're looking for and can be frustrating. I really hope you find what you're looking for, as I personally have had many "hold your belly because laughing so hard" moments that I wish everyone could be in on.
artus
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by artus »

Well, since I don't have a quiet character on cogg now but have one on the other mud, some things may be adaptable in your case if I may suggest: heavy emote.
You don't have to always say anything just to be quiet. One thing silent protagonists do better than anyone else is expression. Say as you must and express as you can. This way, you can keep your rp going without breaking your char.
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Maina
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Maina »

Unfortunately, the 'quiet, introspective' type of character is a somewhat popular trap for roleplayers. It is my own preference, when left to my own devices, but I say trap because it is one.

A solitary character tends to put the onus of your enjoyment on other players if one isn't careful. This isn't fair to the other players, who have their own stuff to deal with. It also isn't fair to you, who is not going to have a good time being alone and without roleplay partners.

It is important in a roleplaying game, at least until a character is established, to be proactive in finding things to involve yourself with. Solitary or not, your character needs to want things and to involve other characters in getting those things. Even if, as I often do, that means just buying your equipment from other players directly rather than from shops and the market. Once you meet one or two or three friends who are willing to drag you into things, then you can be a bit more quiet and introspective.

It is an unfortunate reality that you will not integrate into the game unless you make the effort. I have played the quiet one sitting at the bar sighing to themselves and drinking alone or idling in the library 'studying' and waiting for someone to come play with me and it just doesn't work. You need to be the one to make the effort.
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Delphine
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Delphine »

Hello there! Fellow player here with a quiet, introspective type.

So what works for me is to still be engaged with the RP going on even if your character isn't necessarily talking or even actively participating. As in, glance at the people speaking, respond in other non-verbal ways like a huff of amusement at something in particular that was said, or side-eye something ridiculous. And never wait for someone to engage you first. This is probably the hardest thing to manage when you're doing the shy and retiring/loner type as it's very much against your character to engage, but engaging first doesn't have to mean bouncing up in the middle of the group and exclaiming, "HI GUYS!" Engaging first can be as simple as a glance and a nod/smile.

Another thing is that you'll need to find your "people," whatever that means to you. A couple of close friends or what-have-you. This is also difficult when playing that sort of character as friend-making doesn't come naturally, but existing within a small friend group is precisely what these sorts of characters are made for. Just get out there and try to interact with people and you'll find them.

I admit that it can be hard to get people to stop zooming around and grinding long enough to RP or to even find the people truly interested in RPing, though, so what I tend to do is that I have a few custom greeting emotes set up as aliases that I can fire off super quickly when I bump into someone. It's quick, so it doesn't waste their time, it's a custom emote so they know I'm interested in writing as opposed to just throwing out a canned "nods in greeting." And if they bite back, RP is a go! If they just nod and walk off, I didn't waste any of my own time so it's not a bust.

Beyond finding the friend group, I tend to focus in on some sort of niche RP when playing the quiet types. One of my go-tos is a very religious sort as doing religious RP gives you something to do and gives you an outlet for interacting with others (leading prayers/rituals, etc.) My current character here is fortunate enough to have a few different outlets for potential interactions (crafter, physicker, artist) so all of those give me a hook that I can quietly toss out to someone.

Also, just, cycling back around to my first point... engage. You have to make your own RP whether you're playing a quiet character or not. Doing it the quiet way is a bit harder, but still very doable.

Good luck! And feel free to come be quiet with me anytime :)
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Frisbee
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Frisbee »

Honestly? I was having a lot of the same struggles when I was trying to play a quieter character. I haven't brought him around in a long while, mainly because I am enjoying the RP on my other, much more socialble character too much, but I can relate. I don't think it's anyone's fault that this happens, it's just how the community is. I've seen some people do great with their own quiet characters and there's one thing I've noticed that may be of help. You don't have to talk to be noticed. You can emote silent actions. Like glance about, look thoughtful, appear to be observing or working on something. People will, hopefully, notice you. Mind, my guy was just standing awkwardly most of the time, especially in big crowds, so i may be full of rubbish. I wish you the best of luck, regardless.
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Bonehead
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Bonehead »

Thinking on your situation, a couple of well known sayings came to my mind.

The first was "No man is an island". I think you can justify being more sociable with your character, should you wish. If your character spends most of their time alone in the woods perhaps, then wanting some kind of company is justifiable. This leads to the second thought that crossed my mind, "Like attracts like." You don't even have to be talkative while your around people. An emote here or there showing you are quietly listening to what is going on around you, etc. I don't know what all your character gets into or up to, but you may very well find that there are others with similar interests or goals out there. This can lead to RP where you are able to share events, situations, or goals with others. Cast the bait, and see what happens.

I felt a similar situation with my character during his early days. Before Boss Hoss became the character people know him as today, he was just a Rancher/Farmer. I hadn't picked a class really for him, because I had been wanting to sit and deliberate on it, which I did for many months. During those months, all I really did was farm, and nothing much else Rp wise. It grew to be a lonely experience, and I realized that I wanted to interact with the playerbase more often, small as it was. (This was back when we maybe had 10 players on, on a busy day). I decided to pick a class that was needed, and by doing so, I would interact with players more as well as provide a useful service...after that? The Roleplay multiplied for me, and that spurred ideas...and here we are.

Of course, you don't have to become a more sociable character by that degree. There are still times I feel like needing peace and quiet, from activities to process my thoughts or process a Roleplay event, and when I do I simply head onto my farm and work the land

I hope my rambling thoughts prove helpful!
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Rias
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Rias »

There's been some great advice given in this thread! It gives me some hope for some of my own less-social characters I have sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

I have to say it's been a joy to have watched and occasionally interacted with your character as he's undergone his journey thus far. In addition to heeding the advice given by others here, I'd suggest that it may be time to allow your character to start making some substantial progress in his journey that involves rebuilding some of his confidence in being around others. Take a moment to recall that you and he have been working on this arc for literal years now, and I think now would be a great time for him to start seeing some results of his efforts and growing into that destination form you seem to have planned for him. I know the journey is just as important (if not moreso) as the destination, but on the other hand don't let that concept leave you stuck feeling unfulfilled in a limbo state. I think that may be part of what you're suffering from at the moment. This is just my opinion, of course - take it at your own pace! I just wanted to say I'm excited to see your guy finally acknowledge the progress he's made and allow himself to accept and embrace his growth, and by so doing become even closer to what he wants to be.
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Candelori
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Candelori »

My sincerest thanks go out to you all for taking the time to read about my situation and to give such insightful feedback, advice, and words of encouragement. I have been given much to think about and am already forming some plans of action to address my situation. I hope to seek some people of aligning interests as well as to plan some small events that might simultaneously showcase some of my character's interests and help draw him into situations involving other player characters. I look forward to interacting more with you all soon.
My COGG website: https://candelori.neocities.org
You think to yourself, "I am tempted to henceforth refer to this as the Bicker Board."
You experience a sudden flash of insight, as though you have an increased understanding of who you are.
Alicron
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Re: Struggles with a quiet and introspective character

Post by Alicron »

I may be something of a weirdo but I actually have played a quiet and introspective character for a long time and I quite enjoy it as it tends to be a character type that is closest to my real personality type and thus comes easily for me.

Being someone who is silent or one that doesn't speak with others doesn't necessarily mean that you don't "interact" with others. Do not underestimate the power of a well placed and well written emote. For example let's say that you, the player, wants your character to interact with another passing character. You can't just say, "hello" as that would not be something your character would do. Instead, greet them silently with an emote such as, "Nakthar looks up at the passing man in the red cape. Swollen from tears, his eyes dart to match the gaze of the man but quickly fall, crestfallen and defeated."

This tells the passing player that, "Hey, I see you, I am here, and I want to roleplay with you." It is up to them what they choose do to with it and you can repeat similar emotes in a crowded area to all those who pass by. There is also a lot more I can say on this subject but I am a pretty private person so feel free to DM me if you would like to chat more about it.

In short, if you don't speak or are not social then describe HOW you are not being social and WHAT you are not doing.
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