The Cast of Characters

Answer side by side

What is your family's standing verdict on me?

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 your mum calls me. What gets said when my name comes up at their table.

And once you’ve both answered

Compare sentences with the other page. Somebody's family is wrong.

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

Together: cast the film of this friendship.

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