The Cast of Characters

Answer side by side

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

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

What you actually thought at the time, what you said instead — and the one you secretly liked.

And once you’ve both answered

Which verdict were you most right about — and which “I told you so” do I still owe you?

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

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?

Who was once part of “us” that we've lost touch with?