I don't play my characters with tons of OOC restrictions, and as if I already know what to do and who to talk to. This is the main reason why three of my created rebels have died, I don't play them with what I want to do OOCly, I play them how they would actually be in a real scenario. My most recent one died for attempting to hinder a group's efforts because he saw them as an evil that had to be stopped. Sure, it's almost guaranteed death, but why RP if you just play the game with tons of OOC restrictions and sudden knowledge?
Another example that I'd like to provide would be my IDF paratrooper who suffers from many issues and has outbursts against people. He's lived out in the world away from society for years, so he's almost completely lost his moral compass and is slowly deteriorating in the head. Regardless, he's still sane and capable, but I've caused him to have realistic issues that come with being lonely and greatly fatigued over a long period of time, especially war torn.