The Cast of Characters

Answer side by side

Describe the wider gang — and where the two of us sit inside it.

The question sits across the top; you each answer on your own page. Whoever writes second reads the first answer before writing — agree, argue, or correct the record.

Why this question

Every group has its geography: the organiser, the ghost, the one with the spreadsheet, the one who books nothing and complains about everything.

And once you’ve both answered

Is what we two have visible to the others — or do they only see the surface?

Answering it honestly

  • Whoever writes second reads the first answer before writing — properly, not a skim. Your page can agree, argue, or correct the record.
  • Be specific. Dates, places, what was playing, who else was there. Wrong details are welcome; they're evidence.
  • Don't negotiate a joint version. Two accounts that refuse to match are worth more than one polished one.

And the house rule, whatever the mode: leave a blank rather than write a lie. A blank can be filled later; a lie sits in the archive forever, and you both have to live with the paperwork.

More from The Cast of Characters

Together: cast the film of this friendship.

Sketch the supporting cast of this friendship — the recurring characters who've orbited us.

What has every partner of yours had to learn about this friendship?