Quote Originally Posted by HidesHisEyes View Post
I think something people often miss in this discussion is the idea of the players' goals and the characters' goals always being in alignment. Not everyone sees it this way, but for me it's really important that what I'm inclined to do and what my character is inclined to do are compatible, harmonious. And so when I make a character I bear in mind the gameplay of D&D and I think about what is and isn't appropriate for that kind of game. I don't make pacifists or physical cowards or people who love goblins. When I get into combat I play the game to the hilt, making optimised decisions to win the fight, and by doing this I play my character - who wants to win the fight - to the hilt as well. This is roleplaying, as far as I'm concerned.
It is absolutely role playing. I mean, the term "role playing game" was originally used to describe D&D, in which this was the expected behavior. You're playing the role of an adventurer fighting for survival and probably seeking fame, fortune and glory.