Embodiment

Consider one or more of these tricks to help embody the NPC. Tricks like these can help make the NPC distinctive, even if you're not a natural performer.

• Pick an actor or character from TV, film, or theater. Tell the players to picture them as the NPC. Or, try to portray that character but don't tell the players you're doing so!
• Pick someone you know personally. Impersonate them, but don't tell anyone.
• Pick a way of speaking or tweaking your voice, a catch phrase, a physical tic, or a behavior for this NPC. Use it whenever you portray them.
• Find or create a picture of them. Display it when portraying this NPC.

These tricks are relatively easy to use on the fly, while improvising a new NPC. If you do use one, make a note to yourself after the session about what trick you used, so that you can portray the NPC consistently in the future.

As the scene unfolds, and Rhianna starts telling Elios her plans and how she wants him to be in charge, I lean into that "deep, almost monotone voice" that I described him having. I lower my pitch and keep my tone flat. I realize that I'm doing the voice of Eeyore, the sorrowful donkey from Winnie-the-Pooh*, and that seems right. I jot down "Eeyore voice" in my notes.*