interjection

We often feel the need to get all of our players involved in the story and stay active at the table. Sometimes we are expected, by the players, to do this as well. I want to tell you that it takes two (and possibly all of the players) to make this happen.

I encourage my players not to take a backseat when I have one person in the spotlight. We are all the main characters of our lives, but we are supporting characters in the lives of others. Be a supporting character! As a GM, you have the power to provide examples and leave the door open for your players to become that support.

One way I do this is by allowing time for my players to have those interactions. I ask, “Is there anything you would like to do before morning (or the next thing in the plot)?” I give my players time to think about what their character might be doing. Some take advantage and go talk to an NPC, go shopping, knock on another player’s door for a conversation, or something else entirely. Others just shrug their shoulders and tell me “No” and that is okay too.

Sidenote: I do not do this during a one-shot. I have only 3-4 hours to get from start to finish, so adding this extra time does not really work. I will give them time if they need to talk through clues or plan their next action though.

If a player comes to me and says they feel like they are not getting enough attention, or I am ignoring them, I bring up the times where I ask those questions. I also encourage them to involve themselves in the other characters’ stories. “Ask them what you can do to help them achieve their goals,” I say.

I also ask them to interject on their own behalf. I am okay with interruptions to retroactively do something that the player wanted to do. Encouraging players to speak up, and interject, provides for them a safe place to try new things. They learn quickly that I rarely say no. Most often it is a curious expression with, “Sure, let’s try it.”

Do not feel responsible for getting all players involved, they all have different comfortability levels when it comes to roleplaying. It is your responsibility, as a GM, to provide an open space for them to interject as they feel comfortable.