07-05-2013, 10:49 AM
Perhaps the best place to start, by comparing a few terms through the power of Wikipedia.
Wikipedia on Humility Wrote:Humility (adjectival form: humble) is the quality of being modest or respectful.
Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of egolessness.
Wikipedia on Egotism Wrote:Egotism is the drive to maintain and enhance favorable views of oneself, and generally features an inflated opinion of one's personal features and importance — intellectual, physical, social and other.
Wikipedia on Altruism Wrote:Altruism or selflessness is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. [...] Altruism or selflessness is the opposite of selfishness.
What do these terms have to do with writing, especially in regards to roleplaying?
Humility, in its most basic form, is the basis upon which all interpersonal storytelling occurs. In order for one person to roleplay with another, they must be willing to listen to what another person has to say, write, or otherwise communicate through words or actions. The act of reading another person's writing, is in its most basic form, taking interest in something other than one's self, and therefore, altruistic. Egotism, although it may sound like a horrible trait for one to have, is not only inevitable in the nature of human beings, but -also- required for interpersonal storytelling.
If humility is the basis for all interpersonal storytelling, how does egotism fit into the equation?
The act of creating a story with intent to show others your creation is, in itself, egotistical. This is where egotism is required for roleplay, without a story to tell to another, a roleplayer is not playing a role.
Herein lies what may be considered one of the hardest struggles a passionate writer might face.
The balance egotism and humility.
How does one balance egotism and humility?
How does one balance egotism and humility?
Egotism is a natural part of the human psyche. It is, arguably, the source of self-confidence, self-esteem, and yes, even confidence in a one's ability as a writer or in the quality of their work. However, it is also the source of narcissism, overconfidence, and over-assertiveness when applied without moderation.
Humility is the opposite. Humility is not considered a natural part of the human psyche. It is a learned trait that begets what many consider gracefulness. The phrase"to be graceful in defeat" is, arguably, to be humble. Humility encompasses accepting one's flaws as a reality to be dealt with, and to accept ones positive traits without allowing them to "blind" themselves from their negative ones.
Speaking in terms of "the ongoing war in each roleplayer's mind", Altruism is humility's weapon against one's natural egotism.
But how does that apply in roleplay? Is there a TL:DR version of this?
Roleplay can only be achieved through a series of responses to stimuli that a character is given, or by stimuli that one character gives to another. This stimulation can be as simple as a question, or as minute and intricate as the way one's body language changes. This is why it's very important to read further into an emote than the simple words placed in the text box. One must respect those they roleplay with, and be humble enough to listen to a story before they tell one. Roleplay is a game of give and take. To take the story into your own hands is egotistic. To hand off the reins to another, is altruistic. But in all cases, both must be held in moderation for all parties to remain interested and contribute equally.
TL;DR: Take the supporting role sometimes. You'd be amazed at where it takes you.