Advice to Players

As long as you try to participate, there are few ways to get things wrong in a roleplaying game. As long as everyone is having fun, you're all doing it right. That said, here is some advice to you as a player in the hopes that it will make it easier to have fun and make it more fun for others.

Your Character

• Want to take part. The loner archetype or one who mistrusts everyone can be interesting. In a novel, the author can make sure situations align so that our loner gets close to those they need to in order to push the story along. In a roleplaying game, you can't trust that. If your character tries to not follow the others, they have little reason to make you come along anyway. Make sure your character has reason to stick together with at least some of the group.
• Create hooks. Writing a backstory is good and we'll get to that, but the most important part doesn't have to be strongly tied to it. A hook is something that can create a story. Something that can attach to your character. This can be everything from their childhood friend who disappeared mysteriously to the street gang they owe money to. Try to include at least three of these in your character for the GM to use if they'd like.
• Relationships. No person stands completely alone. Try to think of at least one person who formed your past, one person who you have had great affection for, and one person you have held negative feelings towards. These don't need to be more detailed than a name and a sentence describing who they are to you, but they should be at least that. Try to make similar connections with as many of the other player characters as possible. Having been at university with another character is fun, being able to refer to the professor who tried to get you both thrown out is even better.
• Know where you came from. If you have some hooks and relationships, you've already created several important parts of your background. Try filling in the most basic of the other blanks. What city or region are you from? Do you come from a rich background, a poor, or somewhere in-between? How much education do you have? What has your career generally been like? How are you usually dressed?

General advice

There are several things that might help you find your character even outside character creation or play.

• Know your own and others' limits. We all have things we don't want to deal with. Sometimes because of trauma in our past, sometimes because of phobias or what we just don't want to associate with our game. While Thorns is intended to be a dark game that deals with some horrible things, the intention is for characters to feel bad — not players. Speak to your game master about anything that would make you feel bad if they became part of the game, things you where want a heads-up before-hand, or anything that requires some extra care. Make sure to speak up if you feel uncomfortable. It might make it awkward right then, but it would be even worse and more awkward if it's allowed to go on. In the same way, respect everyone else's limits as stated by the GM or the players directly.
• The "Yes, and –" principle. Don’t tell other players that they can’t do something or dismiss their description of events. Instead, try expanding on what they say. Instead of “no,” say “yes, and.” This comes from the world of improv theatre and helps everyone contribute. If someone comments on your character's hat looking a bit dirty, it's tempting to tell them that it's not dirty at all and they should stop forcing things onto your character. But it could be more interesting to reply with an explanation of why it's dirty or talk about how it's actually a burn-mark from a fight, or something else.
• Collect inspiration. If you're the kind to look at images, head over to Deviant Art and find images that inspire you. If you're the kind who listens to a lot of music, put together a playlist on Spotify. If you're into crafts, make something that reminds you of your character. Whatever it is you like, see how it might inform you of what your character is like. Just remember to check copyright before posting anything online.
• Journal. While it doesn't have to be an actual journal or diary, it can often help to write down your character's thoughts from their perspective. This gives you an opportunity to get into their head outside the game, thus allowing time and space for reflection. Don't make this a bigger deal than you can come up with. A couple of sentences after each session can do wonders.

During the game

• Find your character's voice. To some, this literally means finding an accent or other way to change their voice. But it can be as simple as figuring out what kinds of words or expressions your character uses. Try to keep to this way of talking when your character is speaking and speak like them. Switch to your regular way of speaking when it's you describing what your character does, talking to other players, or otherwise interacting outside the game.
• Address the character. When you're talking to someone, use their character's name instead of the player's name. Even if you're talking to them about something outside the game, it helps everyone keep the mindset.
• Be a fan. You should like your character, and everyone else probably likes their too. Try to get into their head and see what they think makes their character great and do your best to bring that into play. If they get to do what they think is fun, everyone will have more fun.
• Leave room for others. Try to make sure that everyone else gets a chance to speak and to play. Everyone deserves their time in the spotlight and everyone should feel like they are heard. Try to spot who has the hardest time speaking up and focus on encouraging them.
• Listen. When the others are speaking and playing, that isn't your cue to zone out. Listen to them. Pay attention to what they are doing. Even if your character isn't there and doesn't know about what the other players' characters are up to, it will teach you something about them to see what makes them have fun.
• Take space. Leaving room for others is vital, but remember to also play your own character. Dare to delve deep into their thoughts and feelings and let them express those. Especially if you can do so together with the other characters.
• Show, don't tell. This can be difficult for some, so don't feel bad if it comes with a bit of a struggle. Describe what happens and how your character reacts. Act it out if you want. But it’s better to describe how your character is shaking and a single tear rolls down their cheek instead of stating how they are sad.

The most important advice: Roleplaying is supposed to be rewarding. If you're not having fun, it's ok to leave a group and search for one that better suits you. I promise you that such groups exist, no matter your style, and you deserve better. Enjoy the game!