2.) Every post must be exactly and only as long as it needs to be. You hate it when you ask how long a teacher wants an essay to be, and he responds "As long as it needs to be." Well, he’s right. Get the point across. Make the plot point. Fill in a few details on the character by means of showing them. Make it long enough to do those things, but no longer.

3.) Be sure there is a sense of place. You don’t have to write four rambly paragraphs about the location. One or two sentences will often suffice, so long as you provide the other roleplayers/reader with an idea of where this is, what the atmosphere or milieu of the place is, and the like. It can be as simple as the character’s perception of a room/area/etc.

4.) Be sure there is a sense of person. With few exceptions, there is no need to spell out the exact details of a character’s outfit and physical appearance, but carefully chosen details can serve you very well – i.e. ink stains, coffeestains, uncombed hair, STYLE of dress (i.e. "He was dressed in soft, muted colors", or "She wore a flowing white skirt"), manner of speech (i.e. mumbling, avoiding eye contact, staring, commanding sharply, etc.), and such, when dispersed throughout the post, can paint the picture of a person without spending unnecessary paragraphs on verbose descriptions.

5.) Avoid discussing a character’s memories or dreams too much. Done in moderation, in small dosages, and without the ever-annoying ‘telling’, memories or dreams can further shape your character in a roleplay. I suggest that if you include snippets of a memory or dream, they be exactly that – snippets, no longer than two sentences, average length ones, at that. Further, that these not be used in every post. More like once, possible a few times, in the course of a roleplay, at PIVOTAL moments, not whenever you feel the desire to include them.

6.) Write what needs to be written. What happens here? What is your purpose in writing this post? Fulfill it. Portray what needs to be portrayed. Don’t worry if it is too short or too long. Proofread for grammar and spelling (and inconsistencies), and post.

7.) Typically, roleplay posts are in the third person, past tense. Use of the future conditional is advised against. Use your discretion when departing from the standard point of view in roleplay posts, and when in doubt, ask the GM of the roleplay in question – or simply refer to the rules.

8.) The roleplay post is typically expected to contain the point of view of one character only – yours – and if you are playing multiple characters who are not in the same location or conversation, it is considered considerate to clearly separate the segments. Sometimes, there is a need to include the actions or dialogue of NPCs as well, and in some roleplays, dependent on the GM and the other players involved, light forms of puppeting are considered acceptable for longer posts.

9.) Good roleplay posts are good writing. While there are some differences in the ways in which one is permitted to portray actions, thoughts, and characters’ points of view, a good roleplay post will also demonstrate a good handle on vocabulary, syntax, effective use of detail, and other elements of style.

If running your own roleplays, you can definitely benefit from devoting a little thought to how you state your information, especially if there’s a lot of it. I’m going to attempt to offer some tips here for any interested. This is written mostly for newbie GMs that may be wondering, "How do I get my RPs to look better?" Perhaps others will find something useful in it, too.

There are multiple methods for organization; I’m not intending to tell anyone their way of setting up a game is wrong. This is merely what I have found to be effective.

Tip 1: Separate your information into sections.

Dividing the information into several "chunks" can help to prevent "wall of text" and aid people in finding exactly what they’re looking for. Think of a restaurant menu. Usually, dishes are divided into categories: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sides, Drinks, etc. Sure, it could just list everything at once, but how easy would it be able to find something in this menu? "Pancakes, roast beef, Coke, waffles, tacos, beer, ice cream, fish sticks…" Not very easy! Likewise, categories will speed up referencing information in your RP. If you’re astute, you may notice I’m doing exactly this in this topic.

I suggest some variation on the following (keeping in mind that categories can be added or omitted as is necessary; every RP is different):

Intro (contains a short summary of your roleplay to catch people’s eye without overwhelming them (though the summary can be skipped if using the RP tab since it has a specific field for the summary), plus a numbered index with the order of the categories)
Plot & Setting (the full description of the roleplay; I often divide this into two separate categories rather than one if I have a lot of setting info)
Rules (the rules of your RP)
Character Skeleton (if you require a specific skeleton/sheet/form, whatever you want to call it, it would go here)
Accepted (entirely moot if you’re using the RP tab, but otherwise, this is a place to list the people who have been accepted; I find it’s best to ask people to post their profiles in the OOC so that you can link to them rather than copy/pasting the entire profile into the first post, especially if there are images in the profiles, as that way the first post doesn’t get weighted down)

Again, each RP has different requirements, and so you may find you need more or less sections.

Tip 2: Break down those sections into subsections if necessary.

Let’s go back to the menu metaphor. A menu can further separate its dishes by breaking sections up even more. For example, under Dinner you might have the subcategories Beef, Chicken, and Vegetarian. These could be divided even further, the Beef category containing Sandwiches, Burgers, and Steaks. Now you can really pinpoint what you’re looking for.

Likewise, if your a category contains a lot of information, it might be best to break that down even further. Let’s look at Setting. Say you were concentrating on the fictional country of Naros which is home to three different magical races, the Ilians, the Karians, and the Marans. You need to explain a little about Naros’s terrain and government, and you also need to explain a little about each race. You could divide it as such:

Setting

The Country of Naros

1. Terrain: Narros has very rough terrain with its fair share of hills and valleys, but there are wide plains to the south.
2. Government: The land is ruled by a tyrant king of Maran descent who despises the Karians, sending soldiers to slay many unfairly. He is not fond of the Ilians either, but he fears their power too much to target them.

The Races of Naros

1. Ilians: The Ilians are a blue-skinned race with the power to control water.
2. Karians: The Karians are a green-skinned race with the power to control wood.
3. Marans: The Marans are a crimson-skinned race with the power to control fire.

Obviously, in a real RP, you’d usually have much more information than that, but this is the basic idea. If there were a lot more information, doing it this way would really help to keep it manageable.

Tip 3: Use formatting to make things clearer.

You’ll notice in the above example I established "levels" of categories by formatting. Setting is the main category, so it’s in large, bold font. The Country of Naros and the Races of Naros are the two subcategories of Setting, so they’re bold, but they’re smaller. Each subcategory has a numbered set of its own subcategories. If there were no formatting, it could get confusing. It only takes a little extra time to do, but it makes a big difference in how orderly your RP looks.

The key here is to use it as necessary. Highlight titles by bolding, italicizing, underlining, listing, increasing the font size, changing the font, and using colors. Try to make it follow some logic: a subcategory heading isn’t going to be smaller than a main category heading! Personally, I prefer colors and larger font sizes for main categories only, then bolding, italicizing, underlining, and/or listing (lettered, numbered, and bulleted) for subcategories. It’s also good to try to arrange it in a way that’s easier on the eyes; I’d suggest avoiding clashing/overly bright/too many different colors and incredibly small font (do you really want to read a thread like this?).

Another helpful piece of formatting is the "hr" tag, which you can see in your list of BBCode at the top. It makes a line go across the page. I like to use these lines to separate my main categories from each other. For example:

Plot

Pretend there’s a really awesome plot here!

---

Setting

Pretend there’s a really engaging setting here!

---

Rules

Pretend there are some really boring rules here!

For BBCode formatting help, I’m happy to answer questions, but first you should check out RPGateway’s guide on the subject. This forum has a great selection of BBCode (most of which is simplified for you with the code bar) for us to use, so make use of it!

Examples

Lastly, here are some real examples of effective organization in action. The first is mine; the rest are RPs I found around the site which I felt were exemplary. The others may not follow my suggestions exactly, but, as noted, there’s not one right or wrong way to do this.

At a Price
Galra Outpost
Sword of the Abandoned- Revival
The Echoes of War

This character profile template (with instructions and prompts throughout) is provided on the resources page of my writer’s website, linked above. I have posted this character profile here to aid in character development. The purpose of using a character profile is to flesh out a character who is little more than a ’sketch’, or who has not had much thought put into him or her. This profile was written primarily for literary purposes and not roleplay purposes; however, it is easily adapted for roleplay purposes, and has a roleplay counterpart (which you are able to find if you dig deeply enough into my posting history which is slightly altered.

If you wish to use this profile, or portions of it copied and pasted directly, as the standard skeleton in a roleplay of yours, please credit me as the profile creator with my name clearly visible. No one likes to see their work stolen. You may also download a copy in Word 2007 format from this page of my website which may be reproduced for personal or classroom use only. (It’s on the bottom right hand side of the page).

Another note upon the use of character profiles: ninety-nine chances out of a hundred that your readers will never read or see, or need to see, your completed character ‘profiles’. They may not know the vast majority of the information you will write and create about your characters. In fact, it is probably best if they do not. Nevertheless, the use of the profile as a resource for you as the writer cannot be understated. It is an aid for you when you have writer’s block, and must wonder what the character would do, say, or think in any given situation or moment – as one’s history and beliefs will always be a significant influence in one’s decisions – or when something comes up where you need an answer from the character’s point of view. It may also be best to fill out the profile as if you are the character himself. . . or as if you are some sort of investigator or psychiatrist called upon to complete a thorough dossier on the character, leaving no metaphorical stone unturned.

Without further ado, I here present the character profile which I myself have created and refined, with instructions and prompts throughout, over the past year and a half.

Role: For example, general role, or story-specific role. The former, things such as ‘main character’, ‘main character’s best friend’, ‘bad guy’, ‘mentor to protagonist’, etc. might be used. The latter, things such as ‘detective’, ‘older wizard’, ‘disgruntled ex-boyfriend’, ‘lieutenant’, etc. may be used.

Full Name: The character’s full, complete, and legal name.

Name at birth: Same thing, but only if it was different when the character was born, i.e. if s/he changed name because of marriage, adoption, religious conversion, or other reason.

Aliases/Nicknames (if any): Any aliases or nicknames that the character is addressed by, referred to as, or uses for whatever purpose on any regular basis.

Title(s): Any title, such as "Dr.", or "Master", or "Special Agent", or "Venerable" may here be reference and noted.

Preferred name: What name the character prefers to be addressed by. For example, foreign exchange student Yeonggwang goes by ‘Paul’, or Nicholas goes by ‘Nicky’. It may also be that someone is referred to primarily by their surname, or by their complete, unabbreviated forename.

Age/Date of Birth: Both the character’s age at the start of the story, or ‘canon’, as well as the complete date of birth with the appropriate calendar. In a realistic story, this would be using the Gregorian calendar (unless your character’s religion or culture dictate use of the lunar calendar). In a non-realistic story, the calendar will depend on your universe.

Sex: Male or female.

Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity: How does the character identify his or her gender? What is his or her sexual orientation? This may be ‘heterosexual’, ‘homosexual’, ‘transgender’, or whatever pleases the character in question.

Race/Ethnicity: What is the character’s race? This may be ‘White/Caucasian’ or ‘Black/African-American’ for example. It may also include nationality, or ethnic group. Hispanic or Latino status should be denoted here. If the character exists in a fantasy world and is not human, the appropriate race and/or sub-race should be listed.

Skin Tone: What is the character’s skin tone? This may be ‘dark brown’, ‘light brown’, ‘olive’, ‘pale’, ‘albino’, or perhaps even some fantastical hue for a non-realistic character.

Height: The character’s height, in the most accepted unit. This may be realistic, inches or centimeters, or may be specific to the universe or culture.

Weight: The character’s weight, in the most accepted unit. This may be realistic, inches or centimeters, or may be specific to the universe or culture.

Build: What is the character’s build? Slender, athletic, frail, sturdy, stocky, muscular, or plump may be some of the adjectives that come to mind.

Eyes: What is the character’s eye color? Be specific without using purple prose. For instance, ‘light brown’, or ‘hazel’, or ‘black’, or ‘pale blue’ would be acceptable. If the character wears contacts that change the natural eye color, both colors should be noted and explained.

Hair: What is the character’s hair color? Be specific without using purple prose. Also describe the texture, thickness, length, style, and any other significant attributes, such as whether it is oily or particularly shiny. If it is dyed, has highlights, or otherwise has unnatural alterations, those should be noted and explained.

Clothes Style: What style of clothes does the character wear? With very few exceptions (such as a story that takes place over one day, or in a prison or boarding school where students wear uniforms), your character will not be wearing the same outfit throughout the story. Does your character follow fashion trends? What materials, colors, and type of clothes does the character wear? Where does he or she obtain the clothes? Are they ethnic or traditional clothes? Is the character promiscuous or modest?

Tattoos, Piercings, Marks, Scars, etc.: Describe the location, size, and appearance of any tattoos, piercings, marks (such as moles or birthmarks), scars, or other notable or significant physical traits not already discussed.

Appearance: Describe the character’s appearance without reiterating anything already said. Anything that has not been said in this category that should be noted will be described and explained here. A note – this is physical appearance only. Equipment and such will follow later.

Religion: Does the character have a religious affiliation or sense of spirituality? Has the character ever converted to or from a religious affiliation or sense of spirituality? Describe in detail the character’s religious or spiritual beliefs or experiences.

Political Affiliation: What sort of politics does the character have? Has the character ever changed parties, affiliations, beliefs, or public platforms? Describe in detail the character’s political platform and activities.

Education: How educated is the character? Is he or she literate? Does he or she have a secondary school diploma (or equivalent)? What about higher education? Is he or she still in school? Describe in detail the sort of education the character has, noting and explaining any degrees or academic honors or awards.

Languages spoken: What languages does the character speak, including his or her native language(s)? Specifically, what dialect of each language does he or she speak? When, how, and why did the character learn any secondary languages?

Weapons (if any): Does the character have any weapons or other sorts of equipment? What are they, how did he or she obtain them, and why does he or she keep them? Has the character ever lost or had confiscated any weapons or equipment? What were they, and why did this happen?

Occupation(s): What is the character’s occupation? Does he or she have multiple concurrent occupations or jobs? When did he or she start? How high up on the ladder is the character?

Past Occupation(s): What past occupation(s) has the character had? Did he or she have multiple concurrent occupations or jobs? How long did each last, and when was the character employed? By whom? And how far did the character advance? Most importantly, why is the character no longer employed in these former positions.

Special Abilities/Skills: Does the character have any other special abilities or skills, whether highly desirable or not? Talents, learned skills, and such may all be listed here.

Activities/Organizations: What sorts of activities does the character engage in? What organizations is he or she actively supporting or participating in, and what organizations is the character loosely affiliated with? What sorts of activities and affiliations has the character had in the past and why are they no longer current?

Hobbies: What sorts of hobbies does the character engage in? Anything such as knitting, collecting money, or listening to music may be listed here.

Interests: Any other interests that the character has or has had, such as philosophy, economics, or weaponry.

Serious Problems/Flaws/Addictions/Disorders/Disabilities: What are the character’s most significant problems or flaws? Does he or she have any addictions or bad habits? What about criminal history? Does the character have any disabilities or psychological disorders? If so, what are they, when and how did they onset, and when were they diagnosed? To what degree is the character affected, and what is being done about it? Most importantly, what is the character’s attitude toward his or her flaws or disabilities?

Citizenship: In what nation or nations does the character have citizenship rights?

Place of Birth: Where, city and province or state, was the character born?

Now lives: Where does the character now live?

Lives with: With whom does the character live? This may be spouse, cohabitant, child(ren), roommate(s), pet(s), parent(s), sibling(s), etc.

Current Relationship Status: Is the character currently in a romantic relationship? With whom? When did it start? Is the relationship healthy or unhealthy?

Relationship History: What sorts of romantic relationships has the character had in the past? With whom? When did they start, how long did they last, and why and how did they end? Were they healthy or unhealthy?

Family: Who is in the character’s family? Immediate? Siblings? Children? With whom is the character in contact? How are the relationships? Healthy or unhealthy? Why? Also, describe both the current family relationships and childhood relationships with family.

Other Biographical Remarks: Write the rest of the character’s biographical information. Anything that was missed, or not expounded on already.

I hope this profile has been of some use to you. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, as I am always open to improvement and revision.

Revision: Latin; re- prefix, "back", "again"; visio nom. noun, "act of seeing", "sight"; from video, v, "to see". Revision – to see again.

Blessings and peace,

Ylanne Sorrows