Why people enjoy Roleplaying

Earlier I wrote about what makes a good written story, well now I want to write about the art of storytelling.

First let me explain some of the different reasons why people would enjoy role-playing.

1) To be with friends – I’ve always found no-matter what’s the setting, or who’s storytelling, the main purpose is to have fun. I’ve almost always had fun when role-playing, and whenever us as a group of friends decided we weren’t having fun, we did something else. Some of the hardest laughs I’ve ever had in my life has been with my friends role-playing. I’ve laughed so hard at times, I had to hold my ribs to stop from hurting. Without the enjoyment of friends, role-playing has very little interest for people.
2) To be someone different – Actors will put themselves in the mind of their character, and so do people who enjoy role-playing. Like a kid playing dress-up, or an actor becoming another person, people sometimes like to imagine what it would be like in different person, or just sometimes live vicariously through their character.
3) Problem solving & sense of accomplishment – Anytime a person solves a problem, usually there is a sense of accomplishment that follows. I find that one of the advantages over “old school” role playing and modern computer RPG’s, is that people are allowed to think outside the box. They have almost unlimited options they can choose to solve a problem, where as in a video game your choices are somewhat limited. Plus if it’s a cleaver solution that wasn’t usually anticipated, it usually gives everyone a good laugh. Although sometimes it puts the storyteller in a bind, everyone enjoys a good laugh. (For example, a few years ago a friend of mine storytelling created a setting in Europe WW2. We, as the characters, were racing against SS troops to find religious relics. We came upon an abandon church, and discovered a book wrapped in dried human skin. When my friend picked up the book, it started to bleed. This was creepy for most of us, and we didn’t know what to do with it. Well, one of the characters decided to drink the blood coming out of the book. This gave us all a laugh for half hour or so, because nobody expected him to do that wild and crazy act.)
4) To gain power – When I speak of gaining power, please keep in mind of what is occurring. Like a “Pick-Your-Own-Adventure” book, or a video game, your character normally starts off small, or un-established in the world (not always, but usually). Referencing above the ‘sense of accomplishment’ issue, a good storyteller will usually reward a player for cleaver problem solving. This could be will powerful artifacts, loyal minions, popularity among the locals, political allies. No matter the situation, being rewarded usually keeps the game interesting.
5) Catharsis – Our lives are often highly stressful, and everyone needs ways of blowing off steam. Storytelling can sometimes provide an intensely cathartic experience, one unrivaled by any other for of entertainment..