Murder Mystery Dinner Glossary
This glossary introduces the core ideas behind modern murder mystery dinners. You will learn how characters, clues, story elements and digital tools come together to create an immersive experience. Perfect for anyone who wants to host, play or design a mystery with confidence.
1. Core Concepts
Murder Mystery Dinner
An interactive role‑playing event where guests act as characters within a fictional case. During the meal, clues are revealed, conversations happen in‑character, and players work together to identify the culprit.
Host / Game Master (GM)
The person responsible for running the murder mystery event. The host introduces the story, manages timing, distributes clues, and ensures the game progresses smoothly.
Character Sheet
A written profile of a player's role, including background, personality traits, secrets, goals, and relationships with other characters.
Clue
A piece of information that helps players uncover motives, opportunities, or inconsistencies in the story. Clues may be written, spoken, or hidden within props.
Red Herring
A misleading clue designed to divert players' attention away from the real culprit or the true storyline.
Alibi
A character’s explanation of where they were at the time of the fictional crime. Strong or weak alibis influence suspicion dynamics.
Motivation
The underlying reason why a character might have committed the crime. Motives often include jealousy, greed, revenge, or secrets.
Reveal / Final Accusation
The concluding phase where players state their suspicions. The host then reveals the true culprit and explains how the crime unfolded.
2. Game Structure & Flow
Introduction Phase
The opening segment where players learn the setting, time period, and basic premise of the story.
Investigation Phase
The main portion of the game where players gather clues, interrogate others, and share information in‑character.
Interrogation Round
A structured moment where players directly question one another to uncover contradictions or hidden motives.
Plot Twist
A surprising event or revelation introduced during the game to shift suspicion or escalate tension.
Debriefing
A post-game discussion where players share their thought processes, reveal secrets from their roles, and reflect on the experience.
Story Arc
The narrative structure of the murder mystery, typically including setup, rising tension, climax, and conclusion.
NPC (Non-Player Character)
Supporting characters who influence the story but are not played by guests. They may be controlled by the host or delivered via scripted media.
3. Storytelling & Atmosphere
Setting
The environment or world in which the murder mystery takes place, such as a 1920s mansion, a futuristic space station, or a modern hotel.
Dramatic Tension
The emotional stakes that keep players engaged. It arises from suspense, secrets, conflicts, and unfolding revelations.
Foreshadowing
Hints or subtle clues presented earlier in the story that point toward future events, motives, or reveals.
Prop
A physical object used to enhance immersion or deliver clues—examples include letters, photos, or personal items belonging to characters.
Costume Guidance
Suggested attire that helps players embody their roles and contributes to the thematic atmosphere.
Atmospheric Elements
Items or media such as background music, lighting, or sound effects that enhance the mood of the dinner.
4. Organization & Hosting
Role Assignment
The selection and distribution of characters to players. Good role assignment increases engagement and balances personality types.
Game Materials
All documents and assets needed to run the murder mystery: character sheets, clues, timelines, props, and climax scripts.
Timeline / Event Flow
A structured schedule outlining when clues are revealed, conversations occur, and phases transition.
Player Briefing
Instructions given before the game begins to ensure everyone understands their role, the rules, and the tone of the event.
Improvisation
The ability of players to adapt dialogue and actions creatively while still respecting the story's structure.
Conflict Resolution
Guidelines for managing misunderstandings or disagreements during gameplay, ensuring the experience remains fun for all.
5. Digital & Modern Elements
Digital Clues
Clues delivered via mobile device, app, QR code, or digital media rather than printed materials.
Dynamic Story Progression
A flexible narrative structure where the story adapts based on player choices or discovered clues.
Host Dashboard
A digital interface allowing the host to manage clues, timing, phases, and character information.
Interactive Character Distribution
A digital system that assigns roles, backstories, or tasks automatically based on player preferences.
Media Integration
The use of audio, video, or images within the narrative—such as recorded interrogations, crime scene videos, or soundscapes.
Case Builder / Story Generator
A tool that allows hosts or players to create custom murder mystery cases, including characters, motives, and clues.
Hybrid Gameplay
A format combining physical interaction with digital elements, allowing for more flexible storytelling and enhanced immersion.
6. Advanced Concepts
Game Balance
The design principle ensuring that no single player has too much or too little influence on the outcome.
Character Archetype
A role model or template (e.g., the Detective, the Heiress, the Rival) used to create recognizable and engaging characters.
Narrative Consistency
The alignment of clues, behaviors, and story events to avoid contradictions that break immersion.
Suspension of Disbelief
A player's willingness to accept fictional rules or events to stay engaged in the story.
Player Agency
The degree of influence players have over the story's progression and final outcome.