the spotlight

I’ll admit, it is much more engaging to be the one in the middle of the action. Talking to the NPCs and running the show is exhilarating. Unfortunately, it does put others in the background and will often make them feel as though they are only supporting characters in your story. The spotlight should be shared among the players.

This is not an easy task to do for the GM. Incorporating each character’s background, allies, enemies, etc. is the best, most direct way to do this. However, sometimes it still makes you focus on one character at a time. Don’t forget there are others in this story as well. Take a moment to pause your interaction with the one character to turn attention to the others. This allows the others to engage in the story being created in the moment.

Players, you are not off the hook here. You have more control over this than you think. When someone else’s story becomes front and center, you will feel you need to take the back seat, but you do not have to. Have your character work with the other to complete their quest. Form a bond of friendship and they may just become one.

When the GM asks what you want to do, think about incorporating yourself into their story. Bandage their wounds, provide a shoulder to cry on, give them a gift, anything to have your character show support to the character in the current spotlight. When it is time for you to be in the spotlight, they will do the same.

Developing relationships between the characters is what truly brings the story to life, not the one character’s personal quest. Think of Merry and Pippin, Harry and Hermione, Captain America and Thor. These are all main characters who share the spotlight between them. Though they could each tell their own stories, it’s just not the same without the other.