The first thing you need to know about role playing is the definition of the word.  If you look up the word on Wikipedia it gives you three definitions: To refer to the playing of roles generally such as in theater, or educational setting; To refer to a wide range of games including computer role-playing games, play-by-mail games and more; To refer specifically to role-playing games.

This article is designed specifically in regards to online role playing.  There are quite a few games that you can play that have opportunities for you to explore this wonderful outlet for creativity.  Pretty much any MMORPG has some type of role play opportunities.  They may have actual role play servers, or you can possibly find groups of people with the same inclination.  There are also some programs such as Second Life that also have areas you can role play.  All you really need to do is research whatever program would be best for you and go for it.

The second thing to know with online role playing is, unless you are using a voice program exclusively, it’s going to be a lot of text.  What does that mean for you?  Well, to put it nicely, you’ll need to expand your vocabulary if you catch yourself wondering what the heck people are talking about most of the time.  That doesn’t mean you need to be a walking thesaurus, but at least become familiar with more words than normal.  That being said, do be careful with what words you do use and how you use them.  You could very well alienate some of the role players if you consistently use words that are not often used.  Seeing a post that includes two to three SAT words of the day tends to scare off your average person.

Another item of interest in regards to role playing is storyline.  A good background story is vital to any character you are creating.  What’s the character’s personality?  Do they have quirks?  What in their past shaped who they are today?  All of these questions and more can lead to a really good character.  When you are playing the character, it’s also a good idea to keep in mind things that happen in the process of your role play.  Your character will not stay the same throughout your entire time role playing.  If something happens use that to shape how your character will be from then on out.

One of the most important things is simple.  Or at least it should be simple.  It’s something that, for some reason, people tend to forget: manners.  Even if you are online and no one will ever see you in real life, you still need to be polite.  This goes across the board for any game, really.  The more polite you are the more likely you are to have people who want to interact with you again.  If you are rude and completely disrespectful people will start to avoid you.  Even if you have been role playing your entire life and someone comes up who may not know as much as you, still try to be polite.  Everyone was new at one point in time.

The most important thing of all is also something people tend to forget.  HAVE FUN!  Role playing can be considered “serious” at times, but never, ever should it get to the point where you are not enjoying it.  Even the most hardcore role player will have some scenes that affect them.  It’s okay if you’re doing a particularly intense scene and you actually feel it.  That’s normal, and it’s perfectly acceptable.  If it gets too intense and you feel like you can’t handle it the solution is simple: log off.  Your real life should always be first, no matter what.  Do not get so caught up in role playing that you let it negatively affect your real life.  Family, friends, jobs, eating, and sleeping should always be first.
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