Email Murder Mystery Roles: How to Send Character Packs That Get Guests Excited (Without Spoilers)

You can have the perfect theme, the perfect snacks, even the perfect soundtrack… and the night can still fall flat if guests show up confused about what they’re doing.

That’s why emailing murder mystery roles is one of the most important “host moves” you’ll make. A clear character email sets expectations, builds anticipation, and helps guests arrive ready to play instead of asking, “Wait… am I supposed to read this now?”

This guide walks you through exactly how to email digital character packs to your guests, Broadway Murder Mysteries style: clean, easy, and spoiler-safe.

Topic: How to Email Digital Murder Mystery Character Packs to Your Guests

Here’s the fastest system that works for almost any group (friends, family, corporate, virtual, in-person):

The “one folder” method (10 minutes of prep, max)

Create a folder named: MurderMystery_Night_[Date] and keep these inside:

• 00 – Host Guide (for you)
• 01 – Character Packs (one PDF per guest)
• 02 – Evidence / Clues (anything you’ll hand out later)
• 03 – Extras (name tags, accusations sheet, bonus clues)

Then, for emailing: send only the guest’s character pack, not the full kit. This is the biggest step you can take to keep spoilers out and participation high.

File naming that prevents chaos

Use simple, consistent names:

• CharacterPack_[GuestName].pdf
• CharacterPack_[CharacterName].pdf (even better if guests are staying “in character”)

Many hosts also email a short “how to play” note separately so guests don’t miss instructions in the PDF.

Why Email Murder Mystery Roles Early

When guests get their roles early, the whole night feels smoother:

• They show up knowing the vibe (serious? funny? theatrical?)
• They bring a simple prop or outfit if they want
• They start the party in character, which instantly raises energy

A common recommendation is to send roles about 5–7 days before the party so guests have time to glance at their role without forgetting it.

For corporate groups or busy schedules, even a clear 48-hour heads-up can work, as long as you keep the instructions short and easy.

What to Include in Character Packs

Your guests don’t need everything. They need just enough to play confidently.

Include these essentials

1. Character intro
   Who they are, what they want, and how they “fit” the story.
2. What they know (and what they don’t)
   A clean section that tells them what they can reveal and what they should keep private.
3. Conversation prompts
   They can ask two or three questions to other guests right away. This helps quieter guests jump in.
4. Secrets/objectives
   Not everyone loves acting, but everyone loves having “one thing to protect.”
5. Costume suggestion (optional, low pressure)
   One-line guidance like “any black outfit works” or “cowboy hat optional.”

If you want a game with a strong, easy-to-email character experience:

• Murder On The Sagebrush Express is a great “everyone can lean in” Western theme.
• Terror in Tinseltown is perfect if your group loves a glamorous, story-driven vibe.

And if you want something different than a classic party format, Seven Slayed In Sin City is positioned as a challenging “cold case” style experience that can work for smaller groups or a more puzzle-forward night.

How to Email Roles Without Spoilers

This is the heart of emailing murder mystery roles: getting guests excited without giving away the story.

Rule 1: Never send the full kit

Only send:

• Their character pack
• A short “how to prep” note

Rule 2: Keep the email body short (people actually read it)

Use a “3-step prep” format.

Subject line ideas:

• Your Role for Mystery Night (5-minute prep)
• Your Character Pack Is Here (Keep It Secret)
• Your Assignment: Suspect #___ (Open This First)

Email body template
Hi (Name),

You’ve been assigned a character for our murder mystery party.

What to do (5 minutes):

• Open the attached PDF
• Read the “About You” section
• Keep your secrets private unless your pack tells you otherwise

Optional: Bring one small prop or outfit piece that fits your character.

We’ll explain the flow at the start and you’ll have prompts to guide you.
See you soon,
(Your Name)

Rule 3: Add one spoiler-safe hype line

Something like:

“Everyone has a motive. Everyone has something to hide.”

It sets the tone without revealing plot.

Best Formats for Digital Character Packs

PDF is the safest, most universal format for sending character materials because most devices can open it easily.

Recommended formats (ranked)

1. PDF (best overall)
   Easy to open, easy to print, easy to save.
2. Google Drive link (great backup)
   Perfect if files are large or guests lose attachments.
3. Mobile-friendly “quick facts” in the email
   A tiny summary at the top of the email helps guests who hate attachments.

Practical tip: include a “do not share” reminder

Not as a threat, just a friendly line:
“Please don’t forward your packet. It contains private details that make the mystery work.”

When to Send Murder Mystery Roles

Timing matters more than people think. Too early and guests forget. Too late and they show up unprepared.

A simple sending timeline

• 7 days before: Send character packs (ideal window many hosts use).
• 48 hours before: Send a reminder + costume/prop suggestion
• Day of: Send a final “start time + location/Zoom link” message

If you’re hosting a holiday party, send roles a little earlier than usual because calendars get chaotic fast. That’s also a good time to pick from Holiday Murder Mystery Game so your theme matches the season.

Conclusion

When you email murder mystery roles the right way, guests show up ready to play, not waiting to be coached. Keep your emails short, send one character pack per guest, use spoiler-safe hype, and choose a format everyone can open.

Ready to pick a theme you can email in minutes?

• Browse Murder Mystery Game Digital Downloads for instant play options.
• Or explore All Murder Mystery Games if you want the full lineup.

FAQ’s

Can I resend a murder mystery role if a guest loses their email?

Yes. This is why it helps to keep all character packs in one folder and use clear file names. If you can, also upload everything to a private Drive folder as a backup link.

Should guests print their character packs or use them digitally during the game?

Either works. Digital is easiest (especially for Zoom or hybrid games). Printing can feel more immersive for in-person parties. If your guests love props, consider pairing digital roles with a Murder Mystery Game Kit for physical materials.

What should I do if a guest drops out after the roles have been emailed?

Best options:

• Reassign the character to someone else (fastest)
• Turn that character into an “off-screen suspect” (your host guide may support this)
• Add the new person as a detective if your group size changes

Is it okay to email murder mystery roles to couples or groups sharing one inbox?

It can work, but it’s not ideal. If two people share one inbox, it increases the chance they’ll see each other’s secrets. If you must do it, send two separate PDFs in the same email and add a clear label: “Open only your character file.”