Unlock Your Murder Mystery Character's Potential

Murder mystery events are a chance to step into a new persona, uncover secrets, and solve a thrilling case—and the role you play can make all the difference in your experience! Whether you've been assigned a character you’re excited about or one that doesn’t seem like the right fit at first, there are ways to fully embrace your role and make the most of the mystery.

Here’s how to bring your character to life, no matter who you're playing!

Step 1: Get to Know Your Character

Before the event, take time to read through your character description and familiarize yourself with the key details:

• Background – Who are you? What’s your history and connection to the other guests?

• Personality – Are you charming, mysterious, bold, or nervous?

• Motives – Do you have a hidden agenda? Are you innocent, guilty, or somewhere in between?

• Relationships – Who do you trust? Who do you avoid? Who might be hiding something from you?

If you love your role, think about how you can lean into it and really bring the character to life! If your role feels unfamiliar or unexpected, treat it as a challenge—sometimes the characters that feel the most out of your comfort zone end up being the most fun.

Step 2: Bring Your Character to Life

If you're excited about your role, this is your chance to fully embrace it! Think about:

• How does your character speak? (Confident, hesitant, aggressive, secretive?)

• What’s their body language like? (Poised, fidgety, dramatic, suspicious?)

• Do they have a signature phrase or gesture? (A nervous habit, a haughty laugh, a raised eyebrow?)

If your character feels like a challenge, find a way to connect with them. Even if their personality is different from yours, you can still play with their motivations, reactions, and relationships to make the experience your own.

Example:

• Playing a villain? Go all in on being sly, clever, or charmingly deceitful.

• Playing a hero? Be bold, ask tough questions, and take charge of the investigation.

• Playing a nervous suspect? Embrace the tension—act shifty, stammer, or deflect questions.

No matter who you're playing, the more energy and creativity you bring to your role, the more immersive the game becomes for everyone.

Step 3: Use Costumes & Props to Enhance the Experience

Dressing the part helps you step into your character’s shoes—literally! If costumes are encouraged, add a few elements to elevate your role:

• Excited about your character? Go all out with a themed outfit, accessories, or a signature prop.

• Not feeling your role? Even small touches (a hat, a scarf, a pocket watch) can help you feel more connected to your character.

Example:

• The Detective: Trench coat, fedora, notepad

• The Aristocrat: Elegant dress, gloves, jewelry

• The Villain: Dark clothing, mysterious accessories, a cunning smirk

• The Innocent Bystander (or Are You?): Simple outfit with an air of curiosity

Even if you don’t dress up completely, adding one or two small elements can make the experience feel more immersive.

Step 4: Engage with Other Characters

Murder mysteries are all about interaction—the more you talk, ask questions, and react to new clues, the better your experience will be.

• If you're excited about your character, make bold choices—start conversations, drop hints, or create dramatic moments!

• If you’re unsure about your role, use interactions to help shape your performance—observe others, respond to their energy, and let the story unfold naturally.

Great conversation starters:

• "So, how did you know the victim?"

• "I heard a rumor about you... care to explain?"

• "That’s an interesting alibi... but can anyone confirm it?"

Whether you're fully embracing the drama or quietly gathering information, being engaged with the other guests is key to making the most of your experience.

Step 5: Stay Flexible and Have Fun

Murder mysteries are unpredictable, and that’s what makes them exciting! Whether your role is exactly what you hoped for or something totally unexpected, go with the flow and enjoy the ride.

• Be adaptable—if someone throws you a curveball, react in character and play along!

• Don’t stress about being “perfect”—the goal is to have fun, solve the mystery, and enjoy the experience.

• Embrace the unexpected—sometimes the best moments come from surprises, twists, and improvisation!

Final Thoughts: Own Your Role and Enjoy the Mystery

Whether you love your character from the start or need time to warm up to them, every role has the potential to be memorable and exciting.

• Excited about your character? Lean in, play it up, and create a performance everyone will remember!

• Not sure about your role? Find a unique way to connect with it, add your own spin, and let the story guide you.

At the end of the night, it’s not about winning or having the "perfect" performance—it’s about immersing yourself in the mystery, engaging with others, and having a blast.

Now, the real question is: Will you solve the case, or will you be the one getting away with murder?

Join Skills Murder Mysteries for an unforgettable night of crime, deception, and thrilling detective work!