Hosting a murder mystery party is all fun and games, until someone assigns the shyest guest the role of the flamboyant detective, or worse, gives the murderer role to the one person who just can’t keep a secret. While randomly assigning characters can still lead to a thrilling night, a little strategy can elevate your game from fun to unforgettable.

A screenshot of the character descriptions cheat sheet — Step One: Get to Know Your Characters

Before you start matching players to roles, take a deep dive into your murder mystery kit. Who are the key players? What are their personalities? Which characters are central to solving the mystery?
Start by reading through all the character descriptions, taking note of their key traits, relationships, and how involved they are in the storyline. Some characters will be at the heart of the mystery, while others will serve as red herrings or background players. Understanding these dynamics will help you cast each role effectively.
Lucky for you, my mystery kits come with a *top-secret* character description sheet—just for the host’s eyes. If your kit includes something similar, use it! If not, you may want to create your own as you read through the materials.

Step Two: Make the Perfect Matches

Once you know your characters, it’s time to play matchmaker. Here are some guiding questions to help you assign roles:

Who on my guest list is a leader or an extrovert? Assign them characters who thrive on attention, like the dramatic detective or the charismatic con artist. They’ll bring energy and keep the game moving.
Who might be hesitant or shy? Give them roles that allow them to participate without pressure—maybe a sidekick, a secretive informant, or a quiet mastermind.
Which characters are essential to solving the mystery? Pick guests who are good at staying engaged and mingling. You want the big clues to land in the hands of players who will actually use them.
Who can keep a straight face? The murderer needs to be able to bluff their way through interrogations, so if your best friend cracks under pressure, maybe don’t make them the criminal mastermind.

Step Three: Be Sensitive

Some kits include characters with romantic relationships. If your mystery has couples (or forbidden love affairs!), think about your guest dynamics. Do you want real-life couples paired together, or would it be more fun to mix things up? Who would be comfortable playing these types of roles, and who may shy away?

Also, be mindful of character traits. If a role involves morally questionable behavior (like a thief, con artist, or heavy drinker), consider whether your guests would be comfortable playing them. Casting your sober friend as the town drunk might not be the best move. A little thoughtfulness here goes a long way!

Bonus Tip: Instead of assuming who your guests want to play, consider sending them a quick survey. You could ask them which characters appeal to them most, if they’ve done a murder mystery before, and if they prefer a major or minor role. This not only helps you assign characters more effectively but also builds anticipation for the game!

Photo of people playing An Irish Murder at Glas Mansion

Final Thoughts: Make It Fun, Not Fatal

At the end of the day, the goal is to have a blast. A well-assigned cast can turn a good party into an epic one, full of drama, intrigue, and enough plot twists to keep everyone guessing. If you want to make things even easier, check out my murder mystery kits at Harvest Moon Mysteries. They come with everything you need—including that handy character cheat sheet—to make your hosting job a breeze.

Now, go forth and assign your roles wisely!

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