Propteer

Propteer is a term that emerged within online communities, particularly those focused on role-playing and collaborative storytelling. It refers to a participant who actively steers the narrative or controls the actions and development of a character that is not their own, often without the explicit consent or involvement of the original creator or player of that character. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as writing dialogue for another's character, dictating their emotional responses, or advancing their storyline in unintended directions.

The concept of propteering is generally viewed negatively within role-playing circles. It is considered disruptive to the collaborative nature of such activities, as it undermines the autonomy of individual participants and can lead to frustration and disengagement. Ethical role-playing typically emphasizes respecting the boundaries and ownership of each player's creations. While the exact origin of the term is unclear, its usage has become widespread as a shorthand for this specific type of disruptive behavior. Discussions around propteering often involve defining what constitutes acceptable creative input versus overstepping boundaries in shared fictional worlds.