TYPES OF MURDER MYSTERY PARTY CHARACTERS

Ring & Stage Roles

• Ringmaster – The flamboyant host who controls the chaos with flair

• Carnival Barker – Loud, fast-talking hype man outside the tent

• Stage Magician – Smooth, mysterious, always ready with a trick

• Assistant Magician – Glamorous and graceful (and probably more competent)

• Emcee of Oddities – Oversees the sideshow attractions with dramatic

Performers & Acts

• Clown (Classic or Sad) – Goofy, over-the-top, or heartbreakingly tragic

• Acrobat – Flexible, poised, and probably mid-cartwheel

• Tightrope Walker – Elegant and balanced (mentally… maybe not)

• Juggler – Always has something in the air (literally and socially)

• Fire-Eater – Fearless and hot-headed

• Contortionist – Mysterious and twisty in every way

• Strongman/Strongwoman – Muscles, bravado, and bold mustaches

• Human Cannonball – Daring, slightly frazzled, always ready to launch

• Mime – Silent, expressive, maybe suspiciously good at sneaking around

 Sideshow & Mysterious Characters

• Fortune Teller – All-knowing… or just really good at guessing

• Bearded Lady – Iconic and fierce

• Tattooed Wonder – Covered in ink, stories, and maybe secrets

• Two-Headed Twin – A duo act that might just be one player with great improv skills

• Living Statue – Still one second, dramatic pose the next

• Snake Charmer – Slithery and smooth

• Flea Circus Trainer – Tiny talent, huge ego

Behind-the-Scenes

• Roustabout (Carnival Hand) – Rugged, rough around the edges

• Ticket Taker – Sharp-eyed, suspicious, and all about order

• Concession Vendor – All about the popcorn, corndogs, and overheard gossip

• Animal Trainer – Dressed like they’re wrangling tigers—even if they’re not

• Costume Mistress/Master – Knows every secret and every ripped seam

Classic Aesthetic​

What’s in Your Closet:

You don’t need to run away with the circus to build a costume—start with what you have!

• Bright or mismatched clothing (think stripes, polka dots, sequins, bold prints)

• Tuxedo or blazer jackets for ringmasters

• Suspenders, bow ties, vests, or corsets

• Colorful skirts, fishnets, leggings, or circus-like trousers

• Leotards or dancewear for acrobats and aerialists

• Anything with fringe, ruffles, or dramatic silhouettes

Hair & Makeup:

• Go theatrical! White face, exaggerated eyes, and painted-on features for clowns

• Glitter, bold eyeliner, and gemstones for fortune tellers or aerial performers

• Bright lipstick or face paint for carnival flair

• Messy buns, teased curls, or slick top hats for ringmasters

• Colored wigs or hair chalk can take it up a notch

Accessories:

• Top hats, mini hats, or feathered headpieces

• Canes, juggling pins, tarot cards, fake mustaches

• Gloves, oversized sunglasses, clown noses, hoop earrings

• Pocket watches or magic wands

• Capes, shawls, or boas for flair

Character Quirks, Behavior, & Voice:

• Ringmaster: Commanding voice, grand gestures, lots of pointing and booming introductions

• Clown: Goofy movements, high-pitched giggles, pratfalls or exaggerated body language

• Fortune Teller: Slow, mystical speech with lots of pauses and eyebrow raises. Speaks in riddles.

• Strongman: Deep voice, flexes constantly, humble brags often

• Magician: Mysterious tone, dramatic pauses, may constantly “reveal” silly tricks

• Carnival Barker: Talks fast, energetic, sales-pitch style delivery—“Step right up!”

Whether you go glittery glam or spooky sideshow, circus and carnival characters are a free pass to go bold, theatrical, and unforgettable. Just remember—if you feel like you're overdoing it, you're probably doing it right.