Basic terminology

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should be adequate to get you started.

Character/Muse: A fictional or nonfictional individual you are roleplaying.
RP: Roleplay.
RPer: A roleplayer. The person roleplaying and in control of a character.
OP: The original poster.
CC (canon character): A character that already exists in a fandom.
OC (original character): A character created by the roleplayer.
OOC (out of character): A roleplayer that is talking as themselves or deviating from their portrayal of their character. To be used in Chat if needed.
NPC (non-player character): A character that can’t be played by anyone, but is still instrumental to the plot.
Plot: A series of events that through cause-and-effect form the structure of a story.
Synopsis: A blurb you will be required to write for each of your characters; it’s a snippet meant to represent them, their original story, or the fandom they’re a part of. It will also appear on your character search card.
Preface: Located in your character’s Chapters section. An OOC paragraph introducing your story and canon, including any canon rules. Meant to be read before chapter entries.
Prologue: Located in your character’s Chapters section. A paragraph introducing your muse/character, written in-character and meant to be read before chapter entries.
Fandom: A roleplay based on a pre-existing content (fiction or nonfiction).
Original: A roleplay with 100% original content (fiction or nonfiction).
Canon: The official plot, events, and details of a fandom as dictated by the original author.
AU (alternate universe): A roleplay that significantly changes canon while retaining a few of its aspects.
Crossover: A roleplay that combines two or more unrelated fandoms.
Shipping: Wanting certain characters to be together.
Partner: An individual you roleplay with for the long-term.
Main: Partners who frequently interact with and prioritise one another.
1x1 / one-on-one: Two-person roleplay
Para: Roleplaying with a single paragraph of prose at a time
Multi para: Roleplaying with more than one paragraph of prose at a time.
Novela/ Novella: Roleplaying with several (typically 7+) paragraphs of prose at a time.
One liner: Roleplaying with a single sentence at a time.
Stream play / banter: Roleplaying through conversational interactions comprising short, quick comments/replies.
Action: Placing your character’s actions between asterisks (or any symbol of your choosing) to differentiate them from dialogue. Also called Star Roleplay.
TW (trigger warning) / CW (content warning): Tags that warn readers of content that may be triggering. Usually added to public chapter titles.