Elements
Storytelling
Mood: Easier to determine but no less important than theme is a Story's mood. The primary moods of the CoLA game are also listed on the Overview page, and deviation from them will only be tolerated to a point. However, mood is easier to figure out than theme normally. Mood helps carry both plot and theme home. Evoking mood online is predominantly a matter of good timing and descriptive writing.
Motif: Motif is a signature of style that corresponds to the Story's theme. A Story about the horror and inevitability of death may employ the cemetery as a common motif. The characters may drive by cemeteries often, or be drawn back to interact in the graveyards. Motif is simply an element that can help bring theme and purpose to the Story.
Character Development: It is NOT the job of the Storyteller to develop a character for the player. The Storyteller's job is simply to present situations from which the characters may learn something about the world and themselves. It is up to the players to roleplay through that and incorporate internal character development. At most, the Storyteller should only present the cues. The players must take them. But make no mistake: character development is the most interesting and entertaining part of any good plotline. It is also the job of the Storyteller to encourage players to get into the Story and develop their characters. In this manner most of all, players are "assistant storytellers".
On the other hand, when necessary the Storyteller may feel the need to develop the NPCs he or she controls. When doing so, consider the character's personality to begin with using the following theatrical archetypes. Is the character dynamic or static? Is he fixated in his ways or able to and willing to change? Is the character round or flat? Is he exactly who he appears to be or does he wear a personality mask that hides a different person from the public? The world is full of both dynamic and static, and round and flat, people. It's just a matter of deciding what your NPCs are.
