Mun — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Mun: a brief history

Historically, the term “mun” has its roots in early online roleplaying communities, where players sought a way to differentiate between their real-life selves and their in-game personas.

“Mun” became a common term in these circles, especially in forums, chat rooms, and multiplayer roleplaying games based in text. It is seen less often in massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), where terms like “avatar” and “player” are more common.

How it's used today

People use the word “mun” when talking about roleplay behind the scenes or discussing in-game actions out of character. It’s a common way to separate the real-life player from the character they are playing.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUSH, MUD, RPMUD, PbP, Chat RPG, Social media RPG, RPI, RPE.

Mun examples

• In a historical fantasy MUSH, Alex, the Mun, decides their character will embark on a quest to find a lost artifact, collaborating with other characters to progress the story.
• Jamie, a Mun playing a forum RP game, creates detailed backstories for their two characters, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the game’s narrative.
• Sam, the Mun, uses a separate chat channel to discuss future plotlines with another player, planning how their characters will interact.
• Casey, the Mun, navigates a challenging in-game conflict between their character and another, keeping the interaction respectful and story-driven.
• Jordan, the Mun, takes a break from the game, ensuring their character’s temporary absence is explained within the story.

Myths and misconceptions

1. A common myth about muns is that their character’s behavior, morality, or decisions reflect the mun’s real-life personality. In reality, roleplaying allows individuals to explore diverse perspectives and scenarios, often far removed from their personal beliefs or attitudes. Therefore, it’s never safe to assume that a mun and their character share the same views.
2. Another misconception is that a mun who controls powerful or influential characters is similarly powerful or privileged in real life. For example, players might assume that an exceptional character is played by a GM, moderator, or other person with privileged knowledge about the game. However, this is usually not the case.
3. Some believe that using the term “mun” is outdated or only applies to older forms of online roleplay. Despite its origins in early roleplaying communities, “mun” is still widely used today in various platforms, especially where discussions about out-of-character actions are needed.
4. There is a misconception that every player in a roleplaying game prefers to be called “mun.” While “mun” is common in many text-based games, some players may prefer other terms like “player,” “writer,” or even their real names, depending on the game’s culture.
5. It’s sometimes assumed that a mun’s personal life is an open topic for in-game discussion just because they participate out of character. In fact, respecting the boundary between a mun’s real life and their roleplaying persona is important, and personal details should not be shared or assumed without consent.

Mun FAQs

What responsibilities does a mun have?

In a roleplaying game, the mun is responsible for controlling their character’s actions, making decisions that influence the game’s narrative, and interacting with other players’ characters. They must also adhere to the game’s rules and etiquette, maintain the separation between character and player, and contribute to a collaborative storytelling experience.

How does a mun differ from their character?

A mun and their character are distinct entities. The mun is the real-life individual playing the game, while the character is the fictional persona they control within the game’s setting. This separation allows players to explore different personalities, scenarios, and interactions from their everyday experiences.

Can a mun control multiple characters?

Yes, a mun can usually control multiple characters, often referred to as alternate characters (or “alts” for short). However, managing multiple characters requires the ability to keep their stories, personalities, and interactions distinct. This can be challenging but adds depth to the gaming experience.

Playing more than one character at the same time is known as multiplaying. Multiplaying is less common, and typically more restricted, than simply having multiple characters.

How do muns communicate with each other?

Muns typically communicate with each other outside of their characters’ interactions. This can be through out-of-character (OOC) channels, private messages, or separate forums. These communications are essential for planning storylines, resolving conflicts, and discussing game-related matters.

Why is it important to differentiate between a mun and their character?

Differentiating between a mun and their character is crucial for maintaining healthy boundaries and a positive roleplaying environment. It helps prevent personal conflicts, ensures a clear distinction between in-game actions and real-life attitudes, and promotes respectful and cooperative storytelling.