Role-Playing: Taking Turns in Actions

"Turn Order" during Role-Playing

When you are role-playing, typically speaking you will fall into an order or loose structure, wherein the other players you are interacting with will take turns in posting actions. In a one-on-one RP, the general order is simply to go back and forth -- one person starts, posts a single action, the other person posts, then back to the first, etc. However, when three or more people enter within a full-group scenario, sometimes things can get mired.

There are a few ways to address this, and to fall into a nice order of things.

If multiple characters are starting at the same time in a scene, it is first important to establish who is starting the scene off. That much is as simple as asking who wants to start, or for somebody to call the starting post. When this is done, the other characters may then take their turns to post in leisure to enter the scene. When this is done, however, you should remain mindful of who posted before you. In this way, a turn-order is established to make sure everyone has a chance to post and address the new developments that go on.

In the event that a character enters a scene late, the turn order is modified when the new person finds their entry point in the RP. If everyone is in the scene together, the new turn order should reflect where the new character(s) came in, and follow thusly.

However, turn order isn't something meant to be strict. It is done as a courtesy, to let players get in their full posts before anyone else can interrupt -- long or short. However, sometimes a player may require two posts for effect, or for plot needs. While it is typically prudent to openly state that you have a second post coming, you can do certain things in your actions to indicate that you need a second post. For instance, the following contains an action that is cut off (a typical strategy for indicating that a second post coming):

::The warrior lifted his sword, looking forward. His eyes were intent on the wolf before him--::

Sometimes, too, characters will drop out of action or will simply have reason to wait. If a player suddenly stops responding, politely ask if he plans to continue. If not, simply continue with him or her removed from the turn order, and re-establish that person as needed.

And, finally, a turn order is never set in stone. It can be modified and shifted to accommodate certain actions or character interactions. But when you do this, please be considerate to all characters playing. Make sure everybody has a chance to play and say what they need to say. Re-apply the turn order -- with the new order -- if needed to make sure everyone's having fun and involved.