BE THE ADVENTURER WHO WANTS TO ADVENTURE - BILBO MUST LEAVE THE SHIRE

There is nothing more frustrating than adventuring to a dungeon or being presented with an adventure hook only to have one of the players utter those words that all good players dread, "Why would my character do that?" 

The problem of unwilling players is a pretty common one and can seriously affect the fun and enjoyment of the other players and the DM at the table. Lack of adventuring spirit seems anathema to playing a fantasy adventure RPG and should be avoided at all costs. Keeping this in mind, it is okay to have a character with motivations, concerns, apprehensions and even anxieties regarding the safety of the adventuring lifestyle. So, how do you do this? 

The simplest way goes without saying. Just make an adventurer who is willing to open doors, delve mysterious caves and seek the adventure that is out there. This, however, does not necessary fit all character concepts and if you wish to pursue such concepts, it is important to really give some consideration to why and how your character will still be a useful adventurer that will not hinder the rest of the party and the game. 

When making the reluctant hero, always remember that, in the end, you are a hero, or at least an adventurer. Make sure you build a reason to do so into your concept and come up with a few standard go-to reasons. These can even be catch phrases your character says to themselves or out loud when the situation arises where they are given pause.

These motivations can be as simple as loyalty to your fellow adventurers, duty to your family back home or the kingdom you serve. It could be that your motivations are purely mercenary and while you recognize that the danger to life and limb is great, delving dungeons is how you get paid. As long as you have some reason to motivate your character to proceed with the adventure and contribute in a meaningful way, you have succeeded. 

What's more, your PC doesn't have to always be completely willing. You can still role-play hesitation or a fleeting morale. Your character may run away, or prefer to "keep watch" when the party goes into the dark spooky house. The key to these choices is to make sure that, when it counts, your character rises to the occasion. Even at his most reluctant, Bilbo Baggins still managed to come through for his companions. 

Successfully creating an adventurer who will adventure will greatly improve the enjoyment and success of yours TTRPG fun. You fellow players and your DM will thank you and you should also thank yourself for allowing yourself to have more fun.