Creating Final Materials for your Party

Draft Complete Character Profiles

For each guest create a single page Character Profile for their character. These Character Profiles are the key document your guests will use to prepare for the event and guide them during the party.    

The Character Profile contains the following information:  

• The initial description of the character, their background and why they are at the murder site. 
• Additional, personal information about the character’s background and history. 
• Secret information which the character may choose to share with others, or not. Such facts might be damaging ones about themselves, incriminating facts regarding others, or information that may be used to barter with other guests.  
• The character’s personal objective (in addition to solving the murder.)   

Draft Preliminary & Reminder Invitations  

Your initial invitation should describe the event and set the scene for the mystery – location, era, and general scenario.  This invitation can be customized for each guest to include their brief character description to inform and inspire your guests’ costume and prop preparations.  

Once RSVPs are received, and no more than a week prior to the party, mail/email the full character profiles to the guests.  Guests should be cautioned in advance not to share their character profile with the other attendees. Additional copies of the character profiles should be provided the day of the event those who may need a reminder.  

Create Rules for the Party  

Create a written set of rules for your guests to follow during the event which guides your guests on how to proceed with their mystery solving.  The rules will be included in the bag each guest receives upon arrival at the party. 

Create a personalized Character Bag for each Guest   

Prepare a personalized character bag for each guest which includes their character name tag, their “Character Profile”, the Rules of the event along with any special props, costume pieces and “spending money” for use during the event.  We usually use an inexpensive dollar store gift bag for this purpose.  A small bag with handles that can be slung over the arm is convenient for your guests who may already be holding a drink and a notepad.