Dungeon Masters Are Players Too!

Dungeon Masters Are Players Too!

If you’re a Dungeon Master who’s feeling a little stuck—always behind the screen, never in the spotlight—this post is for you. It’s easy to forget that as the DM, you’re a player too. You’re building the world, breathing life into its characters, and telling a story alongside everyone else at the table.

One way to scratch that player itch is by introducing an NPC you’ve always wanted to play. Maybe you have a character idea that’s been stuck in your head—bring them in as an NPC! Just remember: the party’s the focus, so don’t let your NPC overshadow the heroes.

Another great option is to use the sidekick rules from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Sidekicks are a simplified way to add an extra hand in the adventure. You can roleplay them during social scenes and bring them along in combat—without taking over the game. It’s a great way to play a character you love without stealing the spotlight from your players.

My personal favorite, though? Treating your NPCs like living, breathing characters—ones who learn, change, and respond to the world around them. After every encounter, ask yourself:

How does this character feel about what just happened?
What do they think will happen next?
What choice will they make as a result?

This approach doesn’t just make your NPCs more engaging—it keeps you connected to the story as a player. Even the villains can become richer, more interesting characters when you see them as heroes in their own right.

At the end of the day, DMing is just another way to play the game. So give yourself permission to play, even if you’re not rolling up a character sheet for yourself.

If you want to see how I do this in my own games, check out the full video above.

Cheers,
Brian