So I saw this thing going around and it made me think about just what it means to be a good RP Partner. These are my thoughts. Feel free to add to or disagree. But I think these are key.
Take interest in each other’s characters. You mutually appreciate each other’s characters. You understand your character enough to talk about little headcanons and backstory pieces and you ask about your partner’s. There is sincere interest on both sides.
Have your own story. Be able to keep your story going on your own. If the other person has to leave for RL, your characters should be able to stand on their own. Each should keep their own identity within the relationship and story.
Make time for each other, together and apart. You honor commitments and make adequate time for each other to RP in whatever medium you have chosen. You are respectful of other commitments (RL or other) that you each have. You spend quality time together doing things that are mutually fulfilling as well as quality time apart doing what is important to you individually.
Be genuine. Be authentic. Show your true colors always. You encourage each other to grow and change. In other words, you inspire each other to be better.
Communicate. Discuss when something is bothering you. Whether it is the story line, a change to the character, or even the amount of time spent together. Be honest with each other when feeling out of sorts. A strong sense of trust is built between you. Openly discuss everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is no hidden agenda and no secrets about the story, goals, or challenges. Listening carefully with undivided attention is essential to real understanding.
Give feedback. Share your positive and constructive thoughts on how things are going, on writings, and be accepting in return.
Share the spotlight. Make time for each character to develop equally. Each of you contributes your fair share to the relationship, whatever that happens to be. Each partner brings their best strengths and abilities for the benefit of the “team.“
Be Respectful. Be nice to each other. Be on the same page in terms of your basic values and story goals. Know what each wants out of the story, what each person’s common goals are, what each of you wish to accomplish. Be committed to achieving these together. Each person feels safe communicating personal needs and wants. Time is set aside to discuss issues. You respect each other’s differences even if you disagree on important issues. And you are able to turn your differences into fair compromise.
IC stays IC. While discussing OOCly the actions taken IC and how they make you feel is important. It is also important to remember IC is just the story you are telling.
Meet new people. Its okay to RP with new people and even introduce them into your story. The story is richer the more details and people help add details.
(Thanks to @high-inquisitor and @enigmatic-elegance specifically for inspiring this.)
romaincrisis
titsay
gummygunk
annaxmalina
stormborns
izzy806
