Yes, this is a different type of RPG to the german one. While the german forum involves creating an original character and setting stories involving them as the main character, with them occasionally interacting with canonical characters, the English (or international, if you prefer) forum is the opposite.
The character who's point of view you are writing from should be a preexisting character, with OCs (own characters) filling minor or background roles. While it is ok to have more prominent OCs in places that have relatively few canonical characters to use, such as Numenor or Lindon, generally speaking the character who you are 'playing' should be a canonical character. However, you are allowed to characterize them as you wish, though we would appreciate it if you would attempt to keep them relatively in-character.
While this may seem limiting, it permits us to explore existing situations and times in the history that are not expanded on by Tolkien. The English forum is for expanding on existing lore, situations and characters, not writing our own completely new lore.
If you desire an example, head over to the
White Council RPG, which the English RPG team has begun as an example.
https://modding-union.com/index.php/topic,33833.0.html