Each genre asks something slightly different of you. Here are nine, and how to open a chat in each.
Whatever the genre, a good first message puts you somewhere specific, does something, and ends on a question or a choice. If you're stuck, tap the wand for a suggested reply. If a scene goes wrong, Regenerate the last reply or use Rewind to here. How to keep a roleplay going has more.
Fantasy
Give yourself a role, like apprentice or new recruit, and bring a problem into your first line. Ask early how magic works here; the answer gives you tools for later. If a queen asks why you've requested an audience, arrive with a reason. More on the fantasy page and in the best fantasy roleplay ideas.
Adventure and RPG
Adventure runs on choices. Say what you're good at, ask for a quest, and when you're unsure, ask "What are my options?" Keep track of what you're carrying (your persona is a good place for it) and use it. More on the adventure page.
Anime
Bring a classic setup: the transfer student, the first day at a club, a challenge to a rival. The character will usually run with it. Let loud characters have their big moments, then give them a quiet one. More on the anime page and in the best anime roleplay ideas.
Games
Think game night: trivia, riddles, puzzles. Ask the character to explain the rules or invent some together, keep score, and give you a hint when you're stuck. More on the games page.
Heroes
Hero stories work best when powers have limits. Start small, with a training session or a first patrol, and ask what your hero's power can't do. That's where the clever problem-solving happens. More on the heroes page.
Sci-fi
Start mid-problem: a warning light, a strange signal, a new crew member. Sci-fi characters like explaining their technology, so give them something to explain. Agree on a rule or two early, like what the robots can do, and stick to it. More on the sci-fi page.
Mystery
Bring the case, like something missing or a strange note, and ask where to look first. Ask the character to recap the suspects now and then, and pin key messages so you can find the clues later. More on the mystery page.
Spooky
Think campfire story, not horror film. Set the mood with one detail, like a creak or a cold draft, then give it a warm or funny turn. Ask why the ghost is still around and what it needs. More on the spooky page.
Cozy
Low stakes, for the end of a long day. Ask for something small, like a book recommendation or help with a task, and let that be the whole scene. More on the cozy page.
Mixing genres
Genres mix well: a bakery chat can have a mystery underneath. With Privee+, group chats let 2 to 6 of your published characters share one conversation, and interactive stories let you set a genre and style for a whole plot.
To make your own, start with how to create an AI character.