About Hook

[ajsuson]

What is hook? I would like to know in the terms of role playing.

[red_dr4g0n94]

A Hook generally refers to a Story Hook of some sort in terms of Roleplaying. It is the method/person/event/whatever that the GM uses to get the various characters (who may only not get along, but actually hate each other rather intensly) to work together to one degree or another.

Basically, it's the way the GM gets the game started.

[Cadrius]

Red has it pretty much on when it comes to RPGs, but it is, obviously, a little different for writing. A hook is a literary device used to draw the reader in and engage them with the story. You most often see it in the first sentence, paragraph, or page of a story, but that isn't always the case. Often times it's an action of sorts, but again, that isn't necessary. All that you need for a hook is interest on the part of the reader.

[Flagg Thornington]

And then there's a song hook- the main melody (sometimes) that generally is repeated more than once throughout the song. A good song hook will catch your interest in the first few bars and great hooks leave people humming a line they just can't get out of their head.

[BigRedRod]

And then there's a song hook- the main melody (sometimes) that generally is repeated more than once throughout the song. A good song hook will catch your interest in the first few bars and great hooks leave people humming a line they just can't get out of their head.
But that really isn't in terms of roleplaying at all. I was tempted to write a little thing about Captain Hook until I noticed the specification
*rues*

[The_Friendly_Fiend]

Ah yes, we'd expect that from you BigRedRod. You are afterall a pirate and a scallywag!

If you need examples of plot hooks, I'd suggest reading the first few posts to each of the games currently running. Some of them are quite good.

[BigRedRod]

Although I assume some just start in a tavern...

[Cadrius]

Or as part of a multiplanar special forces team...

[BigRedRod]

Damn cliches!

[Flagg Thornington]

How about the one where the party is just about to graduate from the local adventurers college...