A little extracted quote from wikipedia:
A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game ;[1][2] abbreviated RPG ) is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making regarding character development.[3] Actions taken within many games succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines.[4]
According to that you play a role, you assume the role of characters, you aren’t supposed to be the character.
Edit: I don’t want to sound like I want to argue about it as I’m questioning it for myself too.