2024-07-12 Murdery Mystery Role-playing Game
Overview
- This is a role-playing game where each participant takes on the role of a character in a murder mystery scenario.
- One player is secretly assigned the role of the murderer.
- The goal is for the other players to solve the mystery by discussing and sharing information.
Slides
Setup
- Each player is given a character card. Each card has:
- Character name
- Brief background
- Relationship to other characters
- Alibi or key information (some true, some false)
- A separate card for the murderer has additional secret information.
- A scenario description sets the scene.
How to Play
- Distribute character cards randomly to each player.
- Read the scenario description to all players.
- Allow players to introduce their characters to the group.
- Players then mingle and share information from their character cards.
- Encourage players to ask questions and form theories.
- After a set time, have players vote on who they think the murderer is.
Rules
- If you are the murder, DO NOT TELL ANYONE!!!
- The murderer must lie about their involvement but can be truthful about other details.
- Other players should stick to the information on their Acards but can embellish details.
- Players cannot show their character cards to others.
- and…
- If you are the murder, DO NOT TELL ANYONE!!! (A few years ago, even before the game started, someone took one look at his card and announced to the class, “I’m pretty sure I’m the murderer.”)
Tips for EFL Students
- Encourage use of past tenses when discussing alibis.
- Practice using modals for speculation (might have, could have, must have).
- Use questions to gather information (Where were you when…? Did you see…?).
Comprehension Check Questions (CCQs)
- What is the main goal of this game?
a) To have fun
b) To solve the murder mystery
c) To improve English skills
d) All of the above - If you are the murderer, what should you do?
a) Tell everyone immediately
b) Leave the game
c) Keep it a secret and pretend to be innocent
d) Refuse to participate - Can you show your character card to other players?
a) Yes, anytime
b) Only if they ask
c) Only to your best friend
d) No, never - What should you do if you don’t understand something about your character?
a) Make up new information
b) Ask the teacher privately for clarification
c) Tell everyone you don’t understand
d) Refuse to play that character - How do you win the game?
a) By guessing the murderer correctly (if you’re not the murderer)
b) By not being discovered (if you are the murderer)
c) By speaking the most English
d) Both a and b are correct
Answers: 1-d, 2-c, 3-d, 4-b, 5-d
The Scenario
Reunion Revenge: The Oakwood High Homicide
It’s the 20-year reunion of Oakwood High School’s Class of 2004. The event is being held at the luxurious Grandview Hotel. Old classmates gather to reminisce about the past and catch up on the present. However, the festive mood turns dark when Charlie Thompson, the former class president and current successful businessman, is found dead in the hotel’s garden. Now, everyone is a suspect, and old rivalries and secrets come to light.
The Characters
