Canon Style, February Lesson

[Rilla White]

Canon Style:
Staying in Character and More

Role playing ‘canon style’ is very much like role playing with original characters. Things such as plot, setting, et cetera are essentially the same. However, since you are in an already established setting, most of the time playing an already established character, things are a bit more difficult. One of the most important things to do is to always check your information. Checking to be sure you’re staying within the bounds of JK Rowling’s books is extremely important. Role playing in such a way that makes characters act totally out of character annoys others at best. Two fairly reliable sources are:
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/

If you aren’t sure what a place looked like, how someone might have dressed, or what year something happened, just look it up. Try to check more than one source, unless you can check one of the books themselves. If JK Rowling has never described something, then it is somewhat open to interpretation, but again stay within what is reasonable. If there are disputes, those in the role play should decide as a group how things are going to work. Here at HOL one thing to keep in mind is the fact that ships of any kind are not allowed. Ships are of course relationships, and we do not discuss dating and such things at HOL. In some places the books aren’t completely g-rated, but here at HOL we stay within those lines. If you are unsure it is always best to ask.

When starting a post with a canon character for the first time, there are lots of things to consider. What is a logical setting? What would they be wearing? What are they going to be doing? Who else might be there? Be sure this all fits the character’s characteristics. For characters for which we don’t have much information, it is alright to make some of this stuff up. You do not have to merely re-enact scenes from the books, though that is alright too, you can come up with your own material. Very few classes were played out; very few shopping trips were run from start to finish. The books jump around quite a bit, we are free to play those gaps. For the purposes of this class, you are also completely open to any time during or after the books, just be sure to state a time period in your role play itself. For the purposes of this class, we will also limit battle/death eater scenes. Mild scenes are fine but again, think g-rated!

Have a character and setting in mind? Be sure you have been approved for any canon character you pick, originals are fine to jump in as long as a profile is available. When making that first post, be descriptive but not overly so. Your post should be at least 350-500 words in length, as anything less is probably not going to be descriptive enough to allow others to know what is going on. Leave your post at a point that is easy for the next person to jump right in. Don’t just walk your character into a room and have them sit down, do something to motivate others into the room. Consider location carefully. If you are in the Gryffindor common room you limit the role play to only Gryffindor students. Same with if you’re in the staff room, there can be no students there. If you want everyone joining in, then don’t limit the location and pick somewhere everyone could go such as the grounds, the library, or the great hall.

In addition to the notes on character and setting I would like to mention a bit about house biases. When role playing, remember that the books were written from the point of view of a male Gryffindor. Gryffindor is portrayed as the best house, whereas if you were truly at the school things would seem a lot more equal as everyone would think that their house is the best. If you are a Ravenclaw first year, your role play shouldn’t be from a Gryffindor stand point, that would just be silly. Here at HOL, we do not house bash or rank one house above the others, so try not to be biased in your role plays. Just keep this in mind while role playing your canon character – yes it might be hard, we’re simply asking you to consider the point of view of your character as you create your story.

As long as you are role playing in a believable way, staying in character and developing the plot, your role play should be very enjoyable. If you notice people wandering away, something to add a little oomph to your role play is probably required. While anyone in the class is free to post their own canon thread, be sure to try to have an interesting thread that will make people want to play. If there are too many threads, they are sure to overlap. When role playing in canon, the Marauder’s Era will be the most difficult as we have the least information on them. Be sure to check timelines as it is easy to make people in school together who would never have been. Also remember that you are not limited to the school. It is fine to role play in Diagon Alley, or within the Ministry, the sky’s the limit. If you are unsure of yourself, ask and get a thread approved. Canon for many is harder then original character role playing, however, it can be just as rewarding. One thing to note is the differences between the two. Don’t bring people from canon to HOL role plays and vice versa. If you need a character who is available one place but not in another, just make a new character that is similar. Most importantly, have fun! If you aren’t, it shows!

[Rilla White]

A note for those who wish to role play canon style... you will be expected to have read this lesson. There may be a pop quiz.. you have been forewarned! Enjoy the canon area and have fun.

[Belle Black]

Last year I put in for certain characters. Are these still valid? I would like to try to RP Canon Style- would this count as Free Play??

[Rilla White]

Yes to both, you may edit last years if you want it. Just edit and note you wish to use it for this year so I know. It counts for freeplay.