What actually makes a RPG an RPG?

[Skyblade]

An RPG is a plot and character driven game. All other gaming types are defined by their gameplay styles. First Person Shooters focus on gameplay, and only have the outlines of a plot to fill in around the mindless shooting. Puzzle games don't usually have a plot at all, and are focused solely on their puzzles. The pattern continues. But an RPG focuses on plot and characters. The gameplay determines what kind of an RPG it is (Action/Adventure, Tactical, Standard, etc...), but the game itself is not defined by its gameplay. You could have a game which has a completely FF gameplay style, yet if it didn't have the focus on storyline and character interactions that are standard in the FF series, it wouldn't be an RPG.

Role : A character or part played by a performer
Playing : Activity engaged in for enjoyment or recreation
Game : An activity providing entertainment or amusement; a pastime

So technically a Role-Playing Game is a activity of entertainment and enjoyment wherein you play the part of a character. Hence any computer game in exsistance can be considered an RPG. Even Pacman.

Use this as a reference.

Oh, and you are incorrect for defining it like this. "Role playing" is a single term, yet you define it as two seperate words.