How to: PARAS
Generally, the biggest difference between paras and para samples is that paras are done with other roleplayers while samples are used solely in auditions. However, there is one type of para, to be explained, that is not an interaction.
Paras. The point of a para is to move the plot forward. Two or more characters write together, reblogging the prior person’s post and adding their own character’s actions and thoughts. Paras range in any kind, from first meetings to friendships, enemies, even lovers. Usually a para will be at least 2 paragraphs and the most important thing to remember is to be fair to your partner and give them something to respond to. If they write a para that is 4 paragraphs and you respond with half of that it can be pretty frustrating.
Dos and Donts:
Do: Plot first!! This isn’t always a must but I encourage you to message the other handler and say “hey, so what should our para be about?” If you ship your character with theirs, tell them so that you can figure out if it’s viable. If you want your characters to hate each other, tell them so they aren’t totally blindsided. Honestly, plotting is a great way to set up a base for the para, you have a template to go off of and aren’t just “winging it”.
Don’t: God-mod. This means, don’t take control of the other person’s character. Let their character act how they want, don’t say things like “Fiona flipped her hair at Michael’s response” because unless you’re Fiona you shouldn’t assume that’s how she’ll respond. Even the tiniest of actions can be god-modding and you don’t want to lose a partner by doing so.
Do: Write feelings and thoughts. Yes, actions are primarily what paras should be; something has to move the plot along. However, in order to add depth you can add your character’s internal reactions and then their action. Maybe your character felt alarmed by what the other character said but didn’t show it, instead choosing to act calm and collected.
Don’t: Read into it. Honestly it bothers me when I write a para and I say “Josh felt alarmed but he didn’t show it”, only to have the other person write “despite Josh’s attempts, Evan could tell that he was alarmed”. The whole point of the thoughts isn’t so the other person can read the character’s mind, unless they have a power that allows them to.
Steps to Para Writing
Plot: Not a necessity but it allows you to discuss where the para will go. Will it create the base of a friendship, romance, or enemies? Additionally, it allows you to know where to go instead of writing whatever and possibly creating an awkward situation.
Starter: Created by one of the 2, 3, 4 or whatever roleplayers. Basically one person posts the starter and the other person replies. The starter is generally whatever length the roleplayer wants, I recommend 2 to 5 paragraphs so as not to under/overwhelm the other roleplayer.
Responses: Cut them. This means that you delete all of the responses, excluding your partner’s last response and yours that you are writing. It prevents the dash from getting clogged and just looks way neater.
Ending the para: Don’t drag it out. Endings can be awkward but always end a para to start a new one, instead of having the same one drag for 20 replies. Maybe have a para end at one day and then begin a few days later on a pre-agreed plot. Or, if you don’t have chemistry with the other writer, maybe that’s your only interaction with their character, at least for awhile.
Additionally:
If there are open paras (meaning that no one has replied), you should try to respond if you have time. No one likes to be left out. The best way to tell if it’s an open para is if it has no notes and says (Open) or doesn’t say (self-para).
Self paras: These are done in many ways. Some roleplays use them to have the characters react to a certain situation, others do them when a character remembers something that they forgot. Admins sometimes have them as prompts, otherwise you can do them at your leisure. It’s just a closed para, explaining your character’s feelings about something, their motives, or anything you want. These are great to do when you’re a little bored and no one is online :D