A step by step guide to help you think about how you write RPs
Step 1) - Purpose
The first question you need to ask when writing a good RP is what is the purpose of the RP? I find if i've made a decision as to what exactly I want to do with the RP, it makes it much easier to focus down ideas. A few examples of this are:-
Character introduction and development:- Letting the audience get to know your character better. You may have an awesome gimmick, but all anyone watching has to go on in understanding your character is your RPs, so these are a good way to do that. Interviews and other character interactions tend to be the best way of doing this, as you can use the questions to lead into the answers you want to give, and put over your character well. Lone backstage vignettes can also work, depending on the character, but are less suited to most.
Build up to _______:- These focus specifically on an upcoming event of some sort. Could be a match, a feud, a face or heel turn, to an impact RP, or to generally advance your own characters storyline. Keep focus on these, make sure that the RP is clear, but doesn't give away too much. Use these to build interest, or to make sure that any big event doesn't come out of the blue. Can be used across a show, or over a few shows, depending on what is being built up to.
Conflict RP:- These involve two or more wrestlers, or occasionally npcs, and can either be for building up overness for a feud, for mutual character development. These require understanding of the other characters in the RP, and can be exciting if done right, but be careful not to let it fizzle out, or bury the rival in the conflict (more on this later).
Impact RP:- Couldn't think of a better name for this one. These are the big, main event, hot tamale, RPs of awesomeness that should be used sparingly. These should be built up to well, and used sparingly, otherwise may become stale. These are your dramatic character turns, your feud finales, your driving a 20 tonne truck into the GM's car kind of RPs.
Step 2) - Personnel
Simply, who is going to be in your RP? Most of the time, the first person on that list is yourself, but not every RP about you has to include you in it. Work out what interviewers, commentators or GMs are working on the show that you are planning to put this in to, and get familiar with their profile. The same goes for miscellaneous backstage personnel. The most important one to be aware of though, is if you are using other wrestlers in your RP. Name checks are one thing, but if they make an appearance, the first thing to do is get permission from whoever the wrestler is. A person should always have final say over how their wrestler is used, so if they say no, or object to the storyline, or anything else, then be aware of that and work around it. If you are writing their piece, take a look at a few of their previous RPs, get an idea of their gimmick, how they talk, and what they will and wont say. While you are focusing on your own wrestler, remember everyone else is doing the same, so don't bury them without due cause.
Once you know who is going to be in the RP, select colours for each character taking part, making sure to use the correct colours for federation staff.
Step 3) - Writing
You're now prepared to write your RP. Awesome! But there are a few things to keep in mind while you are writing it.
Creativity:- Make it interesting and distinctive.
Style:- Write formally, unless circumstances require something else. Talking to show staff should generally be formal, and usually so should talking to other wrestlers, unless you have some sort of relationship with them, or if your gimmick would alter this. If you use colloquialisms, idioms, or a regional writing style for your character, then use them appropriately, but don't make the mistake of writing them in to other characters speech.
Formatting:- People don't like reading indistinguishable large blocks of flat text. 'Speeches' should be few and far between. Split up the talking with actions, responses, or anything else. Use the appropriate colours for all RP participants.
SPAG:- Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. Everyone makes mistakes, but running your RP through a simple spellcheck does wonders.
Length:- As they say, the bigger the better! Just make sure that what you are saying is interesting, and the length is appropriate to what you want to get out of it.
Continuity:- Make sure that whatever you are saying leads on from previous RPs and storylines. For example, if a wrestler is injured in one RP, don't write that they are in perfect health right afterwards. This leads on the review section.
Step 4) - Review
Reread your RP, to find any obvious flaws missed in the writing process. Post the RP as soon as you can, even if it's unfinished, to get feedback. Other people might see something you've missed, or be able to point out other errors you may not have realised are there. Constructive criticism is good, and don't take any of it personally. Feel free to ask others proactively for feedback and help. We all want the best show possible!
Step 5) - The Show
Now your RP is finished, place it on the card. Make sure if any other RPs are required or effect your own, to keep track of them, so any changes don't cause your RP issues. Make sure there is continuity between your RPs across a card, and be aware of the rhythm of the show. Try not to place your in-ring segments around other in-ring segments for example, as it would not be natural for so many to occur between matches.
Now, wait for the show, and watch it! This is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you will get to see what everyone elses sees, and maybe see some errors or improvements that can be worked into subsequent RPs. You'll also get a look at other peoples RPs and get ideas. The final reason is that occasionally mistakes are made. GMs and VGMs are only human, and occasionally a RP will be missed, or misplaced. It's frustrating, but not the end of the world. The best thing to do is to make them aware that there was a mistake (though complaining too much about it isn't worth it. They didn't do it on purpose, and have probably put in much more work into getting the show in as good a state as they can than anyone else!). Most mistakes can be worked around if looked at creatively.