How to Roleplay Without Feeling Cringe

Embrace Your Inner Chaos Goblin!

So you’re sitting down to play your first TTRPG. You’ve got your character sheet, some funky click-clack math rocks, and a vague idea that your elf is sad and hot. But when it comes time to speak in character, your whole brain screams:

“This is cringe. Abort. Go back to rolling dice like a normal human.”

First of all: hi, welcome! Second of all: let me gently bonk you with a d20 plushie and say,

it’s okay to feel awkward. That’s part of the fun.

Here’s how to stop feeling cringe about roleplaying and start feeling like you’re a part of the story.

Remember: Everyone Is Playing Make Believe

Whether it’s your first session or your hundredth, roleplaying is make-believe with rules (bendy rules). We’re all pretending to be space wizards or gay pirates or immortal frogs with trauma. The minute someone says “I cast fireball,” realism is already out the airlock.

If someone judges you for getting into it? That’s on them. That’s like mocking someone at karaoke for singing. We’re all here to have fun!

One Step at a Time

You don’t have to break out a Shakespearean monologue on your first try or come up with an Aabria Iyengar level of layered chaos. Try these low-pressure RP starters:

• Ask an in-character question: “Wait, how much are they paying us for this?”

• React emotionally in your own voice: “Ugh, I hate zombies. No offense.”

• Give your character a catchphrase, crutch, or tic: “This is fine. Everything’s fine.” (as the house burns)

• And if you can’t come up with your own right away, borrow from the best! “Sweet Christmas” – Luke Cage, “Allons-y” – The 10^th Doctor, “CATCHPHRASE!” - Reinhardt

RP isn't a performance. It’s a vibe check with the table. Start where you’re comfy and build from there.

The Secret Trick: Think of it Like a Video Game

You ever say dialogue options out loud in Mass Effect? Do a dumb voice for your Skyrim character? Cry over a cutscene in Final Fantasy XIV? That’s roleplay, baby.

Lean into that gamer brain. Your TTRPG character is your OC—your Commander Shepard, your Jaskier, your Dragon Age disaster child (You know, the one who’s still in love with Egghead even after every red flag). Make choices, feel feelings, maybe flirt with a Mummy Lord (I mean, why wouldn’t you?)

No One’s Watching—So Try Weird Stuff

This isn’t Twitch. No one’s filming. Your character can be messy, dramatic, or downright unhinged.

You can:

• Cry over a goblin that gave you a flower.

• Give your backpack a name and talk to it like a pet.

• Write bad romantic poetry to the villain, think back to those angsty teenager thoughts!

You’re not “cringe.” You’re making memories. And probably memes.

Speaking of memes, MEME YOUR TABLE! Sharing inside jokes in your group chat is always fun!

Your Table Sets the Tone (and The Tome Gets It)

The right table will celebrate your weirdness. At Link's Tome of Adventure, our whole thing is creating a space where new players, queer folks, and TTRPG-curious nerds can show up, be their full selves, and play. We’re the place for fans of watching Actual Plays asking the question, “how can I play too?”

It’s cool to be silly. It’s cool to be soft. It’s cool to be you.

Whether you’re a shy bard, a reluctant warlock, or a changeling thembo with a heart of gold—your story belongs at the table.

TL;DR:

Feeling awkward when roleplaying is normal. Embrace your Inner Chaos Goblin. Then let yourself be free.

And hey, if you’re still nervous? Come join a game. We’ll show you the ropes, no judgment, and maybe even throw in a space whale or haunted bakery for good measure. Our games are on the Discord Stage so you can join the audience and listen in without interrupting anytime! And if you want to engage, hit up the Peanut Gallery with your jokes and reactions!