Let's start at the basic format of a roleplay. Roleplays are typically in third person. If you don't know what that means, google it because you probably didn't pass 5th grade English.

First, find the source of the most active roleplaying spot. This may be in any chapter, or in the most recent, you have to go searching a bit. Anything that has been active in the last 2 days, at least, is a good place to start.

Second, now you can jump in! This is the hardest part of roleplaying to be honest because you have to find your opening. The more you do them, the better you will get at learning how to speak with people, but usually a good technique is being the one to approach others.

There can be a lot exclusion though, especially if there is a large plot going on, so try to speak to OCs not involved in the big plot, just to establish your character, then try to jump in.

If you feel like you're being excluded you have a few options, you can choose to either speak in subtext (I will show you how to use this in a bit) and say your concerns, or simply find a new one. Usually, newer roleplayers have an easier time in new roleplays, this way everyone is starting fresh.

If you come across a roleplay that has people who know each other's OCs and stuff, don't be chased off. The only way to get involved in the roleplay community is by establishing yourself as a credible Roleplayer. Having a group is a great way to get involved, I have one of my own (Lionturtle and Moonlight are my bars) and we try to participate in stuff as a crew. I've come across other roleplay groups as well, and the only way you get in with them is establishing a strong sense of character and a whole lot of determination.

Don't think these groups are TRYING to be mean, sometimes it's just a matter of cliques and they don't realize, ya know? But do your best with it!!!

Third, now it's time to comment. There are three main types of speaking.

1) OC speaking

2) OC thoughts/actions

3) Subtext

Each of these have there own sort of format. I'm going to give you an example of all three right now:

Aurora growled at Lisa, "what the hell do you think you are doing?" Aurora was pissed beyond belief, she could hardly contain her emotions.

(Omg Aurora is so pissed)

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What we see is the OC Aurora in third person. She starts off by a going into her text, then we see into her thoughts, and then at the end with see subtext.

It's not that difficult once you see an example of how to do it. Although, recognize that subtext is usually YOU as a person speaking to the other people, NOT OCs. You don't have to use subtext each time, but if you really need to add something or apologize or something, you can subtext.

Fourth, retaining the plot is also an important piece of roleplay. Sometimes catching up to what is going on can be hard, but take the time to read what you can until you have a sense of the plot. Don't act all confused and try to jump in, because it gets... annoying. There may also be certain plots from previous times, if you want you can try to catch up, but if you would rather not, then you can just pretend you know or ask in the subtext.

Fifth, if the roleplay slowly dies off for the day, just accept it. It's bound to happen at some point when everyone goes to sleep, just go with it because no one wants fifty comments from one person being like, "where'd you guys go?"

Also, some roleplays will die off entirely, but you kind of have to accept it to. Even creators have to accept when their piece is out of style. The whole fun is finding new roleplays to jump onto and discover!