Main — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Main: a brief history

The concept of a main character in roleplaying originates from traditional gaming, where players would often create multiple characters for different purposes or storylines.

However, players would usually have one character that they identified with more closely or used more frequently, thus making it their main.

Mains are typically contrasted with alts, which are secondary characters.

How it's used today

This term is widely used in online roleplaying communities where players manage several characters at once. It helps players communicate which character is most central to their experience and involvement. You’ll see it mentioned often in discussions about character development and story focus.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

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

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Main examples

• In a fantasy roleplaying game, a player’s main might be a wizard who they’ve developed a detailed backstory for and use in most of their gaming sessions.
• In a space opera campaign, a player could consider their main to be the starship captain character they have fleshed out more than their other characters and use in critical missions.
• In an urban fantasy setting, a player’s main could be a detective with supernatural abilities who serves as their primary means of interacting with the game’s mysteries and plot twists.

Myths and misconceptions

1. A player’s main must always be the center of attention or lead every storyline. In reality, good roleplaying involves balancing spotlight time among all players and characters. Skilled game masters and storytellers know this and will work to ensure that each player’s main receives roughly the same amount of attention during a plot. See: How to be a better game master: 10 tips for running great interactive stories.
2. Once a main is chosen, it cannot be changed. However, in many games, players are free to shift their focus as they see fit, and exploring different characters can enrich the gaming experience.
3. Having a main means other characters (alts) are ignored or undeveloped. In practice, many players enjoy developing their alts as well, and using a main simply helps them organize their character focus, not limit creativity.
4. A main must be the player’s strongest or most powerful character. Actually, a main is defined by the player’s attachment or narrative focus, which doesn’t always match up with game mechanics or power levels.
5. Every roleplayer needs to have a main character. Some players enjoy creating and using only alts or multiple characters with equal attention, without designating any as their main.

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Main FAQs

How do you choose a main in a roleplaying game?

Choosing a main often involves selecting a character that aligns with your interests, play style, and the type of stories you wish to explore. This choice can be influenced by the character’s class, background, abilities, or how well they fit within a game’s setting or a specific narrative.

What’s the difference between a main and an alt?

A main is the character a player focuses on most, while an alt (short for alternate character) is any additional character the same player runs. The split is about attention and attachment, not mechanics: an alt can be just as well developed, but the main is the one the player keeps coming back to and builds their biggest stories around.

Can your main character change over time?

Yes, a main can change over time as a player’s interests or the game’s narrative evolves. Players might find a different character more engaging due to story developments, updates to game mechanics, or changes in group dynamics. These changes can lead the player to shift their focus and resources to this new character.

Is it necessary to have a main?

Not usually. Having a main can deepen the roleplaying experience by giving you one consistent perspective on the game world and room for long-term character development. That said, some groups formalize it: in some multiplayer RPGs, such as MMOs, players may be asked to declare a main and stick with it for a set period so that loot division stays fair and things like raid composition stay consistent.

How does a main interact with other players’ characters?

A main typically interacts with other players’ characters in collaborative storytelling and game activities. These interactions can range from cooperation and friendship to rivalry and conflict, depending on the characters’ personalities and the story’s needs.