Writing For Your Partner's Character

[TommyTuber]

I enjoy creative writing. I believe that I write well. I have tried Roleplaying on this forum twice in the past and always met with frustration. The threads always began swimmingly with my partner complimenting my characterization and my plotting. However, as each scenario developed, I would increasingly receive comments that I was writing for my partner's character.

I realize that this is annoying, perhaps even invasive; but I find it difficult to avoid the pitfall. I would like to elicit serious responses from some of you experienced role players. How do you avoid the error? How do you extend your posts beyond three line action, reaction submissions; such that your story becomes a poor imitation of a chat room.

The sexual repartee excites me and the joy of having another writer read and react to the posts is enthralling. I do hope some of you take this post seriously and offer valid suggestions.

I am certain that I am not alone in confronting this issue...

 

[CarnivalBarker]

You focus on your character first, then you describe the surroundings, your character's reactions to them, and present third-party characters and events that push the story along and react to those. Stop when it is time for the other party to react, and let them write it. Take a look at my "Downfall of a reporter" thread - tons of writing, and very little writing for the opposite party's character. Also, coordinate - if sometimes you must write for that character, then talk to your partner about what that reaction or action would be, and then just mention it with little detail, and let them write their version of the same event when it is their turn. Good luck!

 

[TommyTuber]

Thank you for that. I will indeed go to your thread and see how you manage to develop your character and plot without infringing on your partners ability to make decisions.

 

[tmmmbrrr]

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[TommyTuber]

Thanks tmmmbrrr.

I learned a lot from reading CarnivalBarker's writing and I will read some of your threads with an eye to your technique. Thanks again.

 

[TommyTuber]

I have since realized that this thread belongs more appropriately in "The Lounge". I have moved the discussion there. If any of you have advice or wish to comment, please find the thread there under the same title.

Thanks for your input. I am determined to succeed at writing well with a partner.