basics
Roleplaying Tips
Read time: 12 min
Last updated: 2025-01-11
Methods for embodying your character and techniques for effective dialogue with the AI GM.
Roleplaying Tips
One of TRPG's greatest appeals is embodying your created character and advancing the story. This guide explains roleplaying tips that even beginners can immediately practice.
What is Roleplaying?
Definition
Roleplay (RP) = Acting out a character's role
It means thinking, acting, and speaking from the perspective
of your created character, not yourself.
Example:
You: Timid and cautious personality
Character: Brave and reckless warrior
→ Act according to the character's personality
Two Styles of Roleplaying
1. Light Roleplaying
"I draw my sword and take a combat stance"
"I investigate the direction of the suspicious sound"
→ Just describe actions
→ Beginner-friendly
→ Still fully enjoyable with this style
2. Deep Roleplaying
"I draw my sword and, suppressing my trembling hands,
shout 'Come at me if you dare...!'"
→ Express dialogue and emotions too
→ Higher immersion
→ Try when you get used to it
Both are correct! Enjoy at your own pace.
Tips for Embodying Your Character
Tip 1: Think "What Would This Character Do?"
Your Thoughts VS Character's Thoughts
Situation: Found a treasure chest
You would:
"There might be a trap, let's examine it carefully"
But your character is "a brave, curious adventurer":
"Treasure! Let's open it right away!"
→ Act according to character's personality
Point: Remember the character settings you decided on initially.
Tip 2: Think About "Why You're Doing It"
Adding reasons to actions deepens roleplaying:
❌ "I attack the enemy"
✅ "To protect my companions, I ready my sword and charge at the enemy"
✅ "To avenge my master, I strike with anger"
Point: Add character motivation and emotions.
Tip 3: Decide on Catchphrases and Gestures
Small characteristics bring characters to life:
Catchphrase examples:
"Good grief..." (when exasperated)
"Hmm, interesting" (when interested)
"Leave it to me" (when confident)
Gesture examples:
→ Put hand on chin when thinking
→ Scratch neck when nervous
→ Often polish weapons
Point: One or two is enough.
Tip 4: Also Act Out Character's "Dislikes"
Characters with flaws are more appealing than perfect ones:
Examples:
"Rogue with fear of heights"
→ Gets scared when climbing towers
"Warrior weak to alcohol"
→ Gets woozy when forced to drink at tavern
"Wizard with no sense of direction"
→ Gets lost and troubled
These weaknesses make the story interesting!
How to Dialogue with AI GM
Basic: Be Specific
The AI GM needs specific information to accurately understand your intentions.
❌ Vague Expressions
"Go forward"
→ Where to? How?
"Investigate"
→ What? How?
"Attack"
→ Which enemy? With what weapon?
✅ Specific Expressions
"Carefully proceed into the deep forest without making footsteps"
→ Method (carefully), direction (deep forest) are clear
"Examine the door handle with gloves on and check for traps"
→ Target (handle), method (with gloves), purpose (trap check) are clear
"Strike the nearby goblin with my sword"
→ Target (goblin), weapon (sword), method (strike) are clear
Technique 1: Add Emotions
Adding emotions helps the AI GM provide better direction:
❌ "I open the door"
✅ "I timidly open the door"
→ AI GM provides tense direction
✅ "I open the door with my heart swelling with anticipation"
→ AI GM provides cheerful direction
Technique 2: Show Environmental Awareness
Showing actions that consider surroundings makes it realistic:
❌ "I approach the enemy"
✅ "I hide behind cover and approach the enemy without making sounds"
→ Conscious of stealth
✅ "I ready my weapon and approach the enemy in combat stance"
→ Conscious of battle readiness
Technique 3: Include Interactions with Companions and NPCs
When there are NPCs or companions, being conscious of relationships deepens the story:
"I tell my companions 'I'll go first. You guys provide cover from behind'
then charge into enemy lines with my shield raised"
"I ask the tavern master in a friendly manner
'Has anything unusual happened in this village lately?'"
Examples of Effective Action Declarations
Exploration Scenes
When Entering a New Room
❌ "I enter the room"
✅ "I slowly enter the room while staying alert,
first checking the ceiling and floor before looking around"
When Finding Something Suspicious
❌ "I investigate"
✅ "First I observe from about 2 meters away,
checking for obvious traps or dangers.
If it seems fine, I carefully approach and observe closely without touching"
Combat Scenes
At Combat Start
❌ "I attack"
✅ "I draw my sword, raise my shield and take combat stance.
Shouting 'Come at me!',
I strike at the nearest enemy"
When Coordinating with Allies
✅ "I signal my companions 'Now!',
and charge from the front while shouting loudly to draw enemy attention"
Conversation Scenes
When Negotiating with NPCs
❌ "I talk to them"
✅ "I approach with a friendly smile and
say 'Nice day. Would you mind if we talked a bit?'
with a friendly attitude"
When Extracting Information
✅ "I place 2 gold coins on the table and
ask with a serious expression
'Tell me about any strange occurrences in this village recently'"
Level-Based Roleplaying Guide
Beginner Level: Just Choose Options
Just selecting from options presented by AI GM
naturally creates roleplaying.
As you get used to it, gradually try
declaring actions in your own words.
Intermediate Level: Describe Actions Specifically
"I draw my sword and face the enemy"
↓
"I draw my sword in the stance my master taught me,
and leap into the enemy's guard with a battle cry"
Just describing in more detail
brings the story to life.
Advanced Level: Include Emotions and Dialogue
"I draw my sword, suppressing my trembling hands,
muttering as if convincing myself
'I must... protect my family...!',
and face the enemy with a determined expression"
Including emotions and internal conflicts
creates dramatic developments.
NG Examples and Improvements for Roleplaying
NG Example 1: Meta-Gaming
Meta-gaming = Talking about game systems
❌ "My HP is low so I'll use a healing potion"
✅ "My wounds are deep... (taking out a bottle from my pouch)
If I drink this herb, I should manage"
→ Translate into in-game language
NG Example 2: Using Knowledge Character Doesn't Have
Player knowledge ≠ Character knowledge
❌ "There should be a treasure chest ahead, so I'll go that way"
(Character doesn't know)
✅ "I sense something important might be hidden.
Let's carefully proceed deeper"
(Express as character's intuition)
NG Example 3: Actions Ignoring Other Players
Not relevant in solo play, but when NPCs are present:
❌ "I go ahead alone" (when NPC is accompanying)
✅ "I tell the NPC 'This looks dangerous. I'll go first.
Help me if something happens' before proceeding"
Tips for Enjoying Roleplaying with AI GM
Tip 1: Read AI GM's Descriptions Carefully
Information described by AI GM often contains
hints and keys to the story.
Example:
"Ancient letters are carved on the door"
→ Might be good to examine the letters
"An eerie sound can be heard from afar"
→ Caution might be needed
Tip 2: Have a "Try It Out" Spirit
The AI GM responds flexibly.
Try what comes to mind:
"Climb a tree and look around"
"Try talking to animals"
"Tap the floor to search for hidden doors"
Unexpected actions can lead to interesting developments!
Tip 3: Don't Fear Failure
Failure is also part of the story:
Failed dice roll
→ Opportunity to think of different approaches
→ New developments emerge
→ Leads to character growth
You don't need to play perfectly!
Common Questions
Q: I'm too embarrassed to roleplay
A: Don't worry, you're playing alone!
This app is for solo play.
Nobody is watching, so you can
roleplay boldly.
Start with light roleplaying,
and gradually go deeper as you get comfortable.
Q: I can't maintain character's speech style
A: You don't need to be perfect!
It's OK if speech style changes midway.
Enjoying is most important.
As you get used to it, character's speech style
will come naturally.
Q: I can't think of actions
A: It's OK to choose from options!
Options presented by AI GM are
actions appropriate for that scene.
Start by using options,
and gradually add your own words.
Q: I acted out of character
A: You can correct it midway!
You can rephrase it like
"Actually, I'll act more cautiously"
Or, characters can grow and
their actions can change.
Summary: Basic Principles of Roleplaying
1. Enjoy at your own pace
→ No need to force deep roleplaying
2. Communicate actions specifically
→ Easy for AI GM to understand
3. Think from character's perspective
→ What would the character do, not you
4. Don't fear failure
→ Failure is part of the story
5. Enjoyment is top priority
→ Fun is more important than rules
Next Steps
Once you understand roleplaying, also read:
- Getting Started with TRPG - Actually begin the game
- About AI GM - AI GM characteristics and dialogue tips
- Dice System - Understanding check mechanics
- Glossary - Check TRPG terminology
🎭 Now, embody your character and enjoy the adventure!