Role-play and the self (Full Version)

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DuffTerrall -> Role-play and the self (5/22/2008 12:13:20 AM)

Well, this is more advice than debate, honestly, but wasn't exactly sure where it goes and this seemed the most likely place.
For background on the issue - I am a LARPer (Live Action Role Play, think World of Warcraft, but real-people in costumes as opposed to computers) Despite the classic Christian debate on the whole fantasy rpg thing (ala Dungeons and Dragons) I have never felt God telling me that this is something I should not be doing, and even learned about it as a hobby from a Christian friend.
I find myself in an interesting dilemma, though, due to my character, Guy. He initially started off as something of a mildly crazy mad scientist, but over the course of the game has become increasingly darker, more unconsciously than consciously. This last game especially, I played Guy as what almost seemed a borderline sociopath at times. Now, even in the initial development, Guy was written as obsessive and self centered, but a lot of the direction he's moved is nothing like what I'd expected. I've found that in these past few days after the event, there is one particular instance that runs through my mind over and over, where I saw (I figured) another player joking about it after some of my character's friends had been killed. After a bit of an argument, Guy cast a spell that caused him extreme pain as vengeance.
Now, in real life, me and the other guy get long fine, he actually thought it was great role-play liked it quite a bit. It almost feels to me, now, though, that I have to recover not so much from the exhaustion of the event, but from the exhaustion of playing Guy, which has me concerned. Again, I feel no calling to stop playing the game, but it did get me thinking about the issue. Also, it could just be that I've had several stressful weeks causing the exhaustion, but the fact that this moment is stuck in my head does have me thinking.

Do the roles that we take upon ourselves, even in play, have actual effects on our selves even when we are not playing that character? As I said, I can come up with other possibilities than being Guy for a weekend, but am concerned about the chance that playing someone who is completely self-serving and a touch malevolent could actually be wearing on me outside of the game. Does anyone have any input on this issue?



tenfour -> RE: Role-play and the self (5/22/2008 1:04:59 AM)

I'm not an actor, so I really don't know. But this reminds me of the thread about Grand Theft Auto, where you are acting out a murderer's life.

But if you think your hobby is making you unhappy, it doesn't sound like a good hobby. Anyway, you are making up this character yourself, so you make him in to a nice guy if you want to.



Real_Solitude -> RE: Role-play and the self (5/22/2008 2:03:58 AM)

Yes, and no.
It honestly depends how heavily you get into character, and your ability to detach yourself from the fantasy you create. Method actors are obviously going to be more affected by their roles than someone who readsa script dry.

On the yes side, we still have the example of Heath Ledger, who's overdose seems to have been at least in part influenced by his role as the maniacal Joker in the upcoming Batman title.
On the no side, we have every actor who hasn't suffered ill effects based on a part.

If you don't feel comfortable with how your character has developed, change him. As a writer, I do know that characters have 'minds of their own' and can sometimes develop without much prompting from you, but you do still have control over the character. Throw in some external stimulus that will force your character to change in a way that you'd feel more comfortable with.



MrFribbles -> RE: Role-play and the self (5/22/2008 3:45:51 AM)

I would agree with tenfour and Real_Solitude. Though I have never LARPed myself (mostly due to lack of funds and fellow LARP-ready players, I'm afraid), I imagine it is considerably more involved than your average RP. So, I wouldn't be surprised if it is more influential on you as an individual. Maybe you should take a brief break from Guy's normal darkness and see if that helps out? If it does, then yeah, that might be the cause - but if it doesn't, maybe it is those other, non-Guy issues causing your personal wear and tear. Most importantly, be in prayer about it, make sure you are seeking God in every way through this situation.



car2ner -> RE: Role-play and the self (5/22/2008 6:40:01 AM)

MY daughter LARPs in Georgia. Her characters range all over the light vs dark scale. You do seem to notice getting a bit too involved in the dark side and this is a good thing. You can make changes or kill Guy off. It is those who don't notice that worry me.

I have retired from semi-pro acting and I can tell you this: Actors, after playing a renny persona all day, would go back stage and say in a deep southern "the Dawg is in the PIIIck-UUUp Truuuck". So if for plot development you end up playing a bad guy, find something that switches your gears when you are out-of-character.

And as always, if in doubt, don't do it. I love playing my holy pally, the ultimate good guy.



essentialsaltes -> RE: Role-play and the self (5/22/2008 2:05:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DuffTerrall

Now, in real life, me and the other guy get long fine, he actually thought it was great role-play liked it quite a bit.


That means you're doing it right! And so is he!

LARPing can certainly get under your skin, but you've already shown enough self-reflection that I'm not concerned for you. I remember a social party that brought together several different LARP groups, and there were a few people whose only conversation was to talk about their characters. When your fake life overwhelms your real life, then you've got a problem. But trying on a villanous character like you would try on a costume is not necessarily a problem. If you have trouble taking off the costume when the game is over, then maybe you need a new costume.



drmark -> RE: Role-play and the self (5/24/2008 11:29:41 AM)

1 Cor 2:16 - But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Cor 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Cor 15:33 - Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

So, DuffT, I believe the really valid advice comes from God's Word. Do you have the mind of Christ when you play an evil role? Are you playing for the glory of God or sensual, selfish pleasure? Will evil influences corrupt your Christian walk? It looks like you and God need to discuss this a little more rather than relying on advice from folks you don't even know!



War4Him -> RE: Role-play and the self (6/3/2008 9:10:41 PM)

It all depends on the amount of talent you possess. If you're a typically lukewarm personality then you're generally safe from the assaults of the world that would be placed upon you by virtue of the part you choose to play if only because the world will despise your skill and look for every opportunity to deny it.



car2ner -> RE: Role-play and the self (6/4/2008 6:26:21 AM)

Just remember, it is a game. If it stops being fun, there are other ways to spend your time and money. If you think it is hindering your christian walk, it is just a hobby to give up. It is not real life. Talent can be spent in other venues.

If you enjoy it and your real life is a good role model of the Christian walk to the other role players, then hang on a bit.

If the Holy Spirit says it is time to quit, then quit, no excuses.



hymnHIM -> RE: Role-play and the self (6/5/2008 10:28:07 PM)

quote:

It almost feels to me, now, though, that I have to recover not so much from the exhaustion of the event, but from the exhaustion of playing Guy, which has me concerned. Again, I feel no calling to stop playing the game, but it did get me thinking about the issue.


Hi,
I would like you to re-read this segment of your post, and think about this. How does God tell us that its time to quit? Does the sky peel back and God in His awesome glory say, o.k., its time, or is it the fact that your even thinking about it, and that this "charactor" is taking more than your really willing to give? It sounds to me like a time for prayer and to start digging in the word.
quote:

1 Cor 2:16 - But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Cor 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Cor 15:33 - Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

So, DuffT, I believe the really valid advice comes from God's Word. Do you have the mind of Christ when you play an evil role? Are you playing for the glory of God or sensual, selfish pleasure? Will evil influences corrupt your Christian walk? It looks like you and God need to discuss this a little more rather than relying on advice from folks you don't even know!

Well said.

God bless you and your in my prayers,
Dan



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