- Joined
- October 18, 2006
- Messages
- 143
In role-playing, I can ONLY play what I KNOW from at least a fraction in MYSELF.
So, I can only play - as an actor - roles which I actually KNOW how to play - and this knowledge comes from deep within.
If this were true I'd be really worried about all those actors who play psychopaths in movies and tv shows.
I think you're seriously underestimating the human mind's ability to imagine.
And this, I think, is where the dichotomy lies... these games tend to involve one of two main play methods IMO:
1) I am the character. There is no true distinction in the player's mind between the player and the character they are playing. They are one. Therefore, for example, doing bad things with the character can make the player feel bad because it feels like they themselves are taking those actions.
2) The character is not me. This involves a separation of identity - it's equal parts imagination and dissociation... the character is not me, it's a role I am bringing to life with my imagination. Doing bad things as the character does not impact me as the player as it's not me doing those things - it's an imaginary role I am bringing to life and not at all based on my own real experiences.
From an acting point of view I would guess this would boil down to method and character acting. People use different ways to act, they will use broadly the same different ways to play roleplaying games. Neither is incorrect, it just depends on how the individual approaches inhabiting a role.
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2006
- Messages
- 143