Simple ways to roleplay NPCs
There is a simple way to roleplay NPCs in D&D and other roleplaying games. Few of us DMs are voice actors, improv theater veterans, or comedians. But the good news is, we don’t need much to be able to roleplay an unforgettable NPC. Actually, any NPC can become distinct and memorable at the table in a matter of seconds. How? NPC voices and physical mannerisms will help you make an NPC come to life at the table.
NPC voices and a mannerism (random generator)
The simplest version of this approach for an NPC is this: give them a single voice feature, and a simple physical mannerism. With these two things, roleplaying an NPC becomes straightforward, and the combination will make an NPC unique and memorable.
Here’s a random generator which gives you three combinations for roleplaying NPCs:
If you prefer to roll some dice, or pick a specific combination, you can do so over here: “Gimmicks for every Character and NPC“.
Consistency matters
Once we pick a combination of voice and physical mannerism, it’s important to write it down, along with the NPCs name. Then, mannerisms function like a mental anchor for the players. If every time they meet Gruknard the tavern bard, we as the GM hunch our shoulders and speak excited and jittery, the players will remember Gruknard more easily.
Over time, we will have created a memorable and distinct cast of NPCs for players to interact with, sympathize with and remember.
