The Cast of Characters

Answer side by side

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

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

The flatmates, the colleagues, the regulars, the legends we've collected along the way.

And once you’ve both answered

Who deserves a testimonial they will never receive? Write it in two lines.

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

The exes. The statute of limitations has expired. Discuss.

Who tried to warn one of us about the other — and what exactly was the warning?

When the important call has to be made — good news, bad news, three-in-the-morning news — where do I sit in your order?