Origin Stories: The Phenomenological Relationship Between Players and their Characters

Abstract

Using a phenomenological research model, this study explores the question “How is a consciously embodied persona experienced through live action role-play?” Narrative accounts of twelve research participants were obtained via face-to-face interviews. Four themes emerged: 1. Continuum of personalization; 2. Stream of embodiment; 3. Freedom; and 4. Character as teacher. Four of Moustakas’ universal structures are presented as phenomenological underpinnings of the experience: spatiality, causality, relationship to self, and relationship to others. Larp is a complex process, which offers the players opportunities to bend the rules of typical social engagement. Larp provides fun, excitement, social interaction, personal growth, and self-exploration. Some players described that risk was present as the boundaries between game and life were blurred, but the majority of participants found larp to be safe and personally enhancing.