What's the best way to draw people into a storyline AND keep them engaged?

[Ytts]

When you're running a game for multiple people, what are some of the best ways to keep them interested? How do you deal with players that have different interests? And once you have their interest, how do you *keep* them interested?


What about when you're not in the game and you're playing with just a few buddies?

[Lorelai]

Lots of new stuff all the time. If you're the GM, you have to have something for people to do.

Most importantly, you have to keep everyone involved. Make a storyline that takes everyone as individuals, so that everyone has some special part that their character can play, instead of something generic that any old character could belong to.

As for differing interests, see if you can incorporate them into a game. And if you can't in the game you're currently running, be willing to try and incorporate them some other time.

[Aran]

I feel you really have to know your players and what their interests are before you can run a really successful campaign. That's the luxury I have right now. The players that I'm GMing for I've known for years, so I really know how to keep them engaged. For me it's a little narration with giving them a chance for character development. Generally, I have a loosely designed campaign with a certain set goal but no real specific path set up with no maps, no set enemy types, or dialogue. So, what it boils down to is just knowing your players and anticipating what kind of game they like best, but keeping a set goal or goals in mind.

[Tsukiki]

I fully agree with Aran.  What entices and delights is entirely dependent on the group dynamics and individuals' personalities.  Without a good understanding of your players, you won't find a way to let their characters blossom.  Let's face it, most of the time, people aren't writers.  And if you don't accommodate them from behind the scenes, by being intuitive and providing pathways for arcs you see they hope to pursue.