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Parasocial relationships involve individuals forming emotional bonds with figures or entities unknown to them. These connections often lead to fandom towards a specific person or fictional character. However, if the relationship turns sour, individuals can transform into vocal critics who vehemently criticize and oppose the fictional character they once admired.
Engaging in large-format social media roleplaying involves embodying beloved characters from TV shows and movies. When executed effectively, fans can be convinced that the fictional character is alive in the present moment. Mastering the art of roleplaying to evoke a response requires in-depth analysis of the character, studying character profiles, actor interviews, and delving into supplementary materials like books, comics, and audiobooks.
The Star Wars Actors Guild 77 (SWAG77) endeavors to thoroughly analyze the fictional characters we bring to life on that level.
A “ship” typically refers to a relationship between two characters, often with contrasting dynamics, including diverse representations like LGBTQIA+. These fictional connections are then brought to life through roleplay. Love is a universal desire, easily embraced to immerse oneself in a fandom.
But what about the people who roleplay and are fans of fictional characters as roleplayed?
SWAG77 posits that effective roleplaying operates within the framework of parasocial relationship theory. As fans ourselves, we maintain a distance from our characters through thorough character research. However, individuals who are not part of the roleplay community or are unfamiliar with it tend to form parasocial connections with the characters depicted in these roleplaying scenarios. When these interactions turn negative, characterized by vitriol and animosity, individuals enter a power and control-based parasocial relationship, as their fundamental beliefs are compromised, rendering them vulnerable.
SWAG77 can sense when the relationship turns sour through the negative tone of posts on the page, shifting focus from the participant to the roleplayer. A typical SWAG77 roleplayer follows a story-based script closely mirroring the latest TV and movie plots, sometimes incorporating shipping alliances. However, the primary activity of SWAG77 roleplayer accounts involves sharing character responses through pictures on Facebook or posts on X.com (formerly Twitter). When we fail to meet certain fans’ expectations, we are met with a wave of hostility and bitterness that forces us to step out of character.
To effectively re-immerse into character amidst negativity, refrain from engaging and block accounts using profanity. Share more images with a brief in-character response and interact solely with fans participating in the roleplay. Gradually, this restores a conventional parasocial dynamic within the fandom – fostering a wholesome bond for emotional well-being, cultivating a supportive community, and deepening insights into character perspectives. SWAG77 advocates for robust, precise, and genuine portrayals of our character ensemble.
Become a SWAG77 Patreon to learn more about our roleplaying plans, position papers and plots for our characters, and read our fanfictions on AO3.
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