MrRobby's Profile

I agree with Agile.  Backstory is tremendously important.  It helps the players understand that we're 'role' playing NOT 'roll' playing.  D&D is improv theater.  And just like in theater, you need to figure out your character's motivation for the actions they take.  I spend a good deal of time working with my players one-on-one to help them explore the kind of personality they want to play, then I write up a good backstory for that personality that usually ends with a hook into the beginning of the campaign.  I print those backstories out and have my players keep them handy for reference.  Sometimes I'll even remind them as we go, for example sending a note that says "The barmaid reminds you of the girl who broke your heart" to a player whose backstory had him leave home after he was jilted.  That can encourage him to role play the tavern encounter more thoroughly, rather than just have him order an ale and drink it.

Not sure if we can private message in here, but I can send you some examples if you'd like.