The Cast of Characters

Answer side by side

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

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 induction briefing you never quite issue: the in-jokes, the standing arrangements, the fact that I am non-negotiable.

And once you’ve both answered

Who adapted fastest — and who never quite did?

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

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?

Who do we both miss — the character who isn't around any more?