Living vicariously through yourself: an ethnography of LARPing

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a first person account of what it is like to LARP (Live Action Role-Play). For the general populace, it will provide a simplified yet comprehensive explanation of what LARPing is, how one might begin to play, and what the experience may entail. For the experienced LARPer, it will provide rudimentary analysis of aspects of LARPing and its potential role within the player's life to initiate further thought and self-reflection as to why the activity is a major factor in the LARPer’s life. After reading, a LARPer should be able to apply the presented ideas into their life as well.