Mixing
How to show emotions differently for different NPC's
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
I'm the DM of the group.
This is more of an acting question rather than one about mechanics.
As my group and I have progressed through our game I've introduced several recurring characters to it. After the latest game I asked my players about how they felt the NPCs acting. In summary they said that while every character does have its own thing going they do show similar qualities between them, especially when showing similar emotions.
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
I believe it is a problem of delivery rather than writing and while it won't affect the game mechanics I feel it does affect in the overall enjoyment of the game.
How can I show emotions differently in different characters?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
I'm the DM of the group.
This is more of an acting question rather than one about mechanics.
As my group and I have progressed through our game I've introduced several recurring characters to it. After the latest game I asked my players about how they felt the NPCs acting. In summary they said that while every character does have its own thing going they do show similar qualities between them, especially when showing similar emotions.
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
I believe it is a problem of delivery rather than writing and while it won't affect the game mechanics I feel it does affect in the overall enjoyment of the game.
How can I show emotions differently in different characters?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
Could you clarify what you mean by "showing similar emotions"?
– Gandalfmeansme
11 hours ago
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
– Husky
10 hours ago
2
While this is an interesting and certainly useful to all role players, as it written "How can I improve the delivery of my characters" is too broad. There are many aspects on how you can improve your acting, too many that it can be written into a book. Can you narrow it down on a specific part, for example, "How to make different characters feel different through voice acting?" ?
– Vylix
9 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
I'm the DM of the group.
This is more of an acting question rather than one about mechanics.
As my group and I have progressed through our game I've introduced several recurring characters to it. After the latest game I asked my players about how they felt the NPCs acting. In summary they said that while every character does have its own thing going they do show similar qualities between them, especially when showing similar emotions.
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
I believe it is a problem of delivery rather than writing and while it won't affect the game mechanics I feel it does affect in the overall enjoyment of the game.
How can I show emotions differently in different characters?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
I'm the DM of the group.
This is more of an acting question rather than one about mechanics.
As my group and I have progressed through our game I've introduced several recurring characters to it. After the latest game I asked my players about how they felt the NPCs acting. In summary they said that while every character does have its own thing going they do show similar qualities between them, especially when showing similar emotions.
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
I believe it is a problem of delivery rather than writing and while it won't affect the game mechanics I feel it does affect in the overall enjoyment of the game.
How can I show emotions differently in different characters?
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying
dnd-5e gm-techniques roleplaying
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
edited 6 hours ago
rpgstar
1,190329
1,190329
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
asked 11 hours ago
Husky
19926
19926
Could you clarify what you mean by "showing similar emotions"?
– Gandalfmeansme
11 hours ago
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
– Husky
10 hours ago
2
While this is an interesting and certainly useful to all role players, as it written "How can I improve the delivery of my characters" is too broad. There are many aspects on how you can improve your acting, too many that it can be written into a book. Can you narrow it down on a specific part, for example, "How to make different characters feel different through voice acting?" ?
– Vylix
9 hours ago
add a comment |Â
Could you clarify what you mean by "showing similar emotions"?
– Gandalfmeansme
11 hours ago
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
– Husky
10 hours ago
2
While this is an interesting and certainly useful to all role players, as it written "How can I improve the delivery of my characters" is too broad. There are many aspects on how you can improve your acting, too many that it can be written into a book. Can you narrow it down on a specific part, for example, "How to make different characters feel different through voice acting?" ?
– Vylix
9 hours ago
Could you clarify what you mean by "showing similar emotions"?
– Gandalfmeansme
11 hours ago
Could you clarify what you mean by "showing similar emotions"?
– Gandalfmeansme
11 hours ago
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
– Husky
10 hours ago
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
– Husky
10 hours ago
2
2
While this is an interesting and certainly useful to all role players, as it written "How can I improve the delivery of my characters" is too broad. There are many aspects on how you can improve your acting, too many that it can be written into a book. Can you narrow it down on a specific part, for example, "How to make different characters feel different through voice acting?" ?
– Vylix
9 hours ago
While this is an interesting and certainly useful to all role players, as it written "How can I improve the delivery of my characters" is too broad. There are many aspects on how you can improve your acting, too many that it can be written into a book. Can you narrow it down on a specific part, for example, "How to make different characters feel different through voice acting?" ?
– Vylix
9 hours ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
Try this one weird trick that will improve your GMing skills!
But seriously, as you go through your life, when you see a character on a TV show or movie or podcast or video game that seems interesting and notable, write them down (or take a note in your phone, whatever).
At the game, have that list available. When you need an NPC, look at your list, and mentally cast that character in the role. Cast Captain Picard as the captain of the guard. A bumbling thief is played by Shia LaBeouf. The mad ghost is played by Scrooge McDuck. The shopkeeper is the SlapChop guy. Whatever -- just keep that character in mind as you play out the scenario and let that character inform what kinds of things will influence them or what emotions they'll display. An artificer noble played by Tony Stark will be a very different person from an artificer noble played by Emmett Brown, Otacon, or Victor Frankenstein.
It doesn't even have to be a proper reproduction of the character in question, as long as it gives you a touchstone to start from. You can even use somebody's imitation of a celebrity rather than the real thing -- I once had a starship mechanic who was based entirely on the SNL "Celebrity Jeopardy" version of Burt Reynolds (and yes -- his name was Ferguson). The players don't need to know who they're talking to, just as long as it helps you get into a different mindset.
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Tips from the LARP
In the LARP I play in, it's very common on cast to have to cycle between different characters. First scene, scared commoner; second scene, territorial wolf; third scene, orc on patrol; fourth scene, bored fisherman.
Each of the scenes and accompanying characters has a motive for how it's acting at any point in time. You need to convey that emotion when you speak as that character. You could narratively state, "The commoner approaches you and says, 'I'm so scared because of the macguffin!'" but it's not very interesting.
It's far better for you to act out the action a bit, shudder as you speak, "You aren't from the macguffin, are you!" Raise your hands up defensively, "Please, my family cannot pay this season, we swear we tried!"
For the record, it's weird. You're acting to a room that's not acting back. However, I think you'll find over time that if you play your characters wholly in-character yourself, you may find that your players start playing theirs back at you.
One last thing: be aware of each character's personality. The manner in which a commoner reflects fear is not going to be the same as a knight. The knight might be terrified, but could be more likely to simply show stoicism instead.
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I've got a copper to spare.
If voice acting doesn't come naturally, it'll take a little extra work. My idea is to have an dialogue note card for key NPCs used. These note cards will have a description of the NPC with info regarding race .. profession .. backstory as well as voice descriptors. You can look up words to describe someones voice.
Check out fantasy movies, they will have typical elf, dwarf styles and other creatures. It doesn't have to earn you an academy, but to differentiate between races is good, same race but different regions is better.
Main goal is to have fun!
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
Try this one weird trick that will improve your GMing skills!
But seriously, as you go through your life, when you see a character on a TV show or movie or podcast or video game that seems interesting and notable, write them down (or take a note in your phone, whatever).
At the game, have that list available. When you need an NPC, look at your list, and mentally cast that character in the role. Cast Captain Picard as the captain of the guard. A bumbling thief is played by Shia LaBeouf. The mad ghost is played by Scrooge McDuck. The shopkeeper is the SlapChop guy. Whatever -- just keep that character in mind as you play out the scenario and let that character inform what kinds of things will influence them or what emotions they'll display. An artificer noble played by Tony Stark will be a very different person from an artificer noble played by Emmett Brown, Otacon, or Victor Frankenstein.
It doesn't even have to be a proper reproduction of the character in question, as long as it gives you a touchstone to start from. You can even use somebody's imitation of a celebrity rather than the real thing -- I once had a starship mechanic who was based entirely on the SNL "Celebrity Jeopardy" version of Burt Reynolds (and yes -- his name was Ferguson). The players don't need to know who they're talking to, just as long as it helps you get into a different mindset.
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
Try this one weird trick that will improve your GMing skills!
But seriously, as you go through your life, when you see a character on a TV show or movie or podcast or video game that seems interesting and notable, write them down (or take a note in your phone, whatever).
At the game, have that list available. When you need an NPC, look at your list, and mentally cast that character in the role. Cast Captain Picard as the captain of the guard. A bumbling thief is played by Shia LaBeouf. The mad ghost is played by Scrooge McDuck. The shopkeeper is the SlapChop guy. Whatever -- just keep that character in mind as you play out the scenario and let that character inform what kinds of things will influence them or what emotions they'll display. An artificer noble played by Tony Stark will be a very different person from an artificer noble played by Emmett Brown, Otacon, or Victor Frankenstein.
It doesn't even have to be a proper reproduction of the character in question, as long as it gives you a touchstone to start from. You can even use somebody's imitation of a celebrity rather than the real thing -- I once had a starship mechanic who was based entirely on the SNL "Celebrity Jeopardy" version of Burt Reynolds (and yes -- his name was Ferguson). The players don't need to know who they're talking to, just as long as it helps you get into a different mindset.
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
Try this one weird trick that will improve your GMing skills!
But seriously, as you go through your life, when you see a character on a TV show or movie or podcast or video game that seems interesting and notable, write them down (or take a note in your phone, whatever).
At the game, have that list available. When you need an NPC, look at your list, and mentally cast that character in the role. Cast Captain Picard as the captain of the guard. A bumbling thief is played by Shia LaBeouf. The mad ghost is played by Scrooge McDuck. The shopkeeper is the SlapChop guy. Whatever -- just keep that character in mind as you play out the scenario and let that character inform what kinds of things will influence them or what emotions they'll display. An artificer noble played by Tony Stark will be a very different person from an artificer noble played by Emmett Brown, Otacon, or Victor Frankenstein.
It doesn't even have to be a proper reproduction of the character in question, as long as it gives you a touchstone to start from. You can even use somebody's imitation of a celebrity rather than the real thing -- I once had a starship mechanic who was based entirely on the SNL "Celebrity Jeopardy" version of Burt Reynolds (and yes -- his name was Ferguson). The players don't need to know who they're talking to, just as long as it helps you get into a different mindset.
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
Try this one weird trick that will improve your GMing skills!
But seriously, as you go through your life, when you see a character on a TV show or movie or podcast or video game that seems interesting and notable, write them down (or take a note in your phone, whatever).
At the game, have that list available. When you need an NPC, look at your list, and mentally cast that character in the role. Cast Captain Picard as the captain of the guard. A bumbling thief is played by Shia LaBeouf. The mad ghost is played by Scrooge McDuck. The shopkeeper is the SlapChop guy. Whatever -- just keep that character in mind as you play out the scenario and let that character inform what kinds of things will influence them or what emotions they'll display. An artificer noble played by Tony Stark will be a very different person from an artificer noble played by Emmett Brown, Otacon, or Victor Frankenstein.
It doesn't even have to be a proper reproduction of the character in question, as long as it gives you a touchstone to start from. You can even use somebody's imitation of a celebrity rather than the real thing -- I once had a starship mechanic who was based entirely on the SNL "Celebrity Jeopardy" version of Burt Reynolds (and yes -- his name was Ferguson). The players don't need to know who they're talking to, just as long as it helps you get into a different mindset.
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
edited 31 mins ago
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
answered 9 hours ago
Darth Pseudonym
7,0141438
7,0141438
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Tips from the LARP
In the LARP I play in, it's very common on cast to have to cycle between different characters. First scene, scared commoner; second scene, territorial wolf; third scene, orc on patrol; fourth scene, bored fisherman.
Each of the scenes and accompanying characters has a motive for how it's acting at any point in time. You need to convey that emotion when you speak as that character. You could narratively state, "The commoner approaches you and says, 'I'm so scared because of the macguffin!'" but it's not very interesting.
It's far better for you to act out the action a bit, shudder as you speak, "You aren't from the macguffin, are you!" Raise your hands up defensively, "Please, my family cannot pay this season, we swear we tried!"
For the record, it's weird. You're acting to a room that's not acting back. However, I think you'll find over time that if you play your characters wholly in-character yourself, you may find that your players start playing theirs back at you.
One last thing: be aware of each character's personality. The manner in which a commoner reflects fear is not going to be the same as a knight. The knight might be terrified, but could be more likely to simply show stoicism instead.
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Tips from the LARP
In the LARP I play in, it's very common on cast to have to cycle between different characters. First scene, scared commoner; second scene, territorial wolf; third scene, orc on patrol; fourth scene, bored fisherman.
Each of the scenes and accompanying characters has a motive for how it's acting at any point in time. You need to convey that emotion when you speak as that character. You could narratively state, "The commoner approaches you and says, 'I'm so scared because of the macguffin!'" but it's not very interesting.
It's far better for you to act out the action a bit, shudder as you speak, "You aren't from the macguffin, are you!" Raise your hands up defensively, "Please, my family cannot pay this season, we swear we tried!"
For the record, it's weird. You're acting to a room that's not acting back. However, I think you'll find over time that if you play your characters wholly in-character yourself, you may find that your players start playing theirs back at you.
One last thing: be aware of each character's personality. The manner in which a commoner reflects fear is not going to be the same as a knight. The knight might be terrified, but could be more likely to simply show stoicism instead.
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
Tips from the LARP
In the LARP I play in, it's very common on cast to have to cycle between different characters. First scene, scared commoner; second scene, territorial wolf; third scene, orc on patrol; fourth scene, bored fisherman.
Each of the scenes and accompanying characters has a motive for how it's acting at any point in time. You need to convey that emotion when you speak as that character. You could narratively state, "The commoner approaches you and says, 'I'm so scared because of the macguffin!'" but it's not very interesting.
It's far better for you to act out the action a bit, shudder as you speak, "You aren't from the macguffin, are you!" Raise your hands up defensively, "Please, my family cannot pay this season, we swear we tried!"
For the record, it's weird. You're acting to a room that's not acting back. However, I think you'll find over time that if you play your characters wholly in-character yourself, you may find that your players start playing theirs back at you.
One last thing: be aware of each character's personality. The manner in which a commoner reflects fear is not going to be the same as a knight. The knight might be terrified, but could be more likely to simply show stoicism instead.
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
Tips from the LARP
In the LARP I play in, it's very common on cast to have to cycle between different characters. First scene, scared commoner; second scene, territorial wolf; third scene, orc on patrol; fourth scene, bored fisherman.
Each of the scenes and accompanying characters has a motive for how it's acting at any point in time. You need to convey that emotion when you speak as that character. You could narratively state, "The commoner approaches you and says, 'I'm so scared because of the macguffin!'" but it's not very interesting.
It's far better for you to act out the action a bit, shudder as you speak, "You aren't from the macguffin, are you!" Raise your hands up defensively, "Please, my family cannot pay this season, we swear we tried!"
For the record, it's weird. You're acting to a room that's not acting back. However, I think you'll find over time that if you play your characters wholly in-character yourself, you may find that your players start playing theirs back at you.
One last thing: be aware of each character's personality. The manner in which a commoner reflects fear is not going to be the same as a knight. The knight might be terrified, but could be more likely to simply show stoicism instead.
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
answered 9 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.5k248120
12.5k248120
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I've got a copper to spare.
If voice acting doesn't come naturally, it'll take a little extra work. My idea is to have an dialogue note card for key NPCs used. These note cards will have a description of the NPC with info regarding race .. profession .. backstory as well as voice descriptors. You can look up words to describe someones voice.
Check out fantasy movies, they will have typical elf, dwarf styles and other creatures. It doesn't have to earn you an academy, but to differentiate between races is good, same race but different regions is better.
Main goal is to have fun!
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I've got a copper to spare.
If voice acting doesn't come naturally, it'll take a little extra work. My idea is to have an dialogue note card for key NPCs used. These note cards will have a description of the NPC with info regarding race .. profession .. backstory as well as voice descriptors. You can look up words to describe someones voice.
Check out fantasy movies, they will have typical elf, dwarf styles and other creatures. It doesn't have to earn you an academy, but to differentiate between races is good, same race but different regions is better.
Main goal is to have fun!
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I've got a copper to spare.
If voice acting doesn't come naturally, it'll take a little extra work. My idea is to have an dialogue note card for key NPCs used. These note cards will have a description of the NPC with info regarding race .. profession .. backstory as well as voice descriptors. You can look up words to describe someones voice.
Check out fantasy movies, they will have typical elf, dwarf styles and other creatures. It doesn't have to earn you an academy, but to differentiate between races is good, same race but different regions is better.
Main goal is to have fun!
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
I've got a copper to spare.
If voice acting doesn't come naturally, it'll take a little extra work. My idea is to have an dialogue note card for key NPCs used. These note cards will have a description of the NPC with info regarding race .. profession .. backstory as well as voice descriptors. You can look up words to describe someones voice.
Check out fantasy movies, they will have typical elf, dwarf styles and other creatures. It doesn't have to earn you an academy, but to differentiate between races is good, same race but different regions is better.
Main goal is to have fun!
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
answered 10 hours ago
XAQT78
2637
2637
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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Could you clarify what you mean by "showing similar emotions"?
– Gandalfmeansme
11 hours ago
For example, there is a group of characters that are wary/angry of a particular PC. They (the players) say that while each one has its own reason to be that way, how I act it them is way to similar to each other.
– Husky
10 hours ago
2
While this is an interesting and certainly useful to all role players, as it written "How can I improve the delivery of my characters" is too broad. There are many aspects on how you can improve your acting, too many that it can be written into a book. Can you narrow it down on a specific part, for example, "How to make different characters feel different through voice acting?" ?
– Vylix
9 hours ago