RP interraction

[Sandbox]

Question: How do you guys RP with others. I've seen everything from light akward conversation to forcing your back story down people's throats. How do you guys find the balance between the two?  I really enjoy writing the stories, but I'm not very good at providing that rich, live RP. Any tips are appreciated as I would like to improve to make everyones experience better. 

[Anume]

From my experience the best rp comes from rolling with the punches. Don't have a strict script in mind, allow your character to develop with the experiences he/she/it makes and the people they meet.

[Ithric]

Generally I roll a character with a back drop story line in mind.  I know who he/she is and what they are about.  I like to think of them as very impressionable as they begin meeting people.  I generally let these interactions mold my characters personality. 

Youll find cuts from every cloth as you interact with other people.  My rp style generally ranges from person to person as my character feels different about eah individual he/she meets.  Most of the time I can stay on track with my story line but you can't let it be set in stone.  Things change and don't always go your way.  Just like real life "shit happens" and you must adapt.  Be fluid and flexible.  Share your story but don't try to force it.  You'll find people like to listen but you have to find the right time.  Sometimes I don't have the motivation for a long rp session and forcing it does no justice.

[Volgathras]

Poor formatting, but relevant. An RP is easier when it's engaging to others. That means visible, but not obvious; rich, but not constricting; goal-oriented, but not goal-focused. Everyone's primary interest is always themselves. As such, trying to get anyone to follow your lead means you'll have to lean on a solid RP foundation. Many people bypass this by trying to shove their RP down others' throats. This ultimately fails, because they don't have enough interest on momentum for players to see a personal benefit in getting involved.

My suggestion; goals. What is your character's total, overarching goal? How does he/she plan to get there? Develop smaller, attainable goals along the way. That way you can see progress, and it gives both you and other potential participants something to move towards and/or (if you've achieved these goals already) bragging rights and a clear indication that your RP is going somewhere.

A lot like a relationship, be happy with your own character and their story before you try to add someone else in to it.