🛠️ Hard Hats, Tools, & Hunches: A Blue-Collar Character Guide

Because not every suspect comes from a boardroom — some come from the break room.

Tough, clever, and armed with duct tape and attitude, this crew fixes everything... except their alibis.

​

👷 Construction Worker / Contractor – The Blueprint Boss

Vibe: Loud, loyal, and probably built half the town (and half the rumors).
Always has a story about “that one time the inspector nearly died.”

Costume (from your closet):

• Flannel shirt, jeans, work boots, baseball cap.

• Optional: high-visibility vest or tool belt.

• Female tip: Roll up your sleeves and add a messy bun or bandana.

• Male tip: Keep a pencil behind your ear like it’s welded there.

Props & Accessories:

• Tape measure, clipboard, toy hammer, or folded “blueprints.”

• Hard hat (real or paper-mâché), safety goggles.

• Coffee cup with “World’s Okayest Builder.”

How to Act:

• Yell over imaginary machinery.

• Call everyone “boss” or “kid.”

• Offer to “fix” everything — even the murder weapon.

• End every sentence with “...yeah, that’ll cost extra.”

Quirks:

• Uses duct tape as a cure-all.

• Always squints like there’s dust in the air.

• Tells wildly unsafe work stories.

Sayings:

“This whole situation? Not up to code.”
“If it ain’t broke, I can still make it better.”
“I knew something was off the minute I saw the foundation.”

​

⚡ Electrician – The Shockingly Calm One

Vibe: Unflappable, practical, and probably a little sarcastic. Never surprised — just disappointed.

Costume (from your closet):

• Navy shirt or coveralls, jeans, tool belt, sneakers or work boots.

• Female tip: Add eyeliner “smudges” for grease, tie hair back, and rock the confident stance.

• Male tip: Roll sleeves, loosen collar, and keep a voltage tester in your pocket.

Props & Accessories:

• Coiled cord, wire cutter, flashlight, gloves, multimeter.

• Tool pouch, clip-on name tag (“Watts & Co.”).

How to Act:

• Inspect light fixtures suspiciously.

• Mutter about “short circuits in people’s heads.”

• Pretend to “test” others’ honesty with your tools.

Quirks:

• Jumps at nothing but rolls eyes at everything.

• Calls every problem a “grounding issue.”

• Fixes things that weren’t broken just for control.

Sayings:

“Looks like someone got their wires crossed.”
“Current situation? Shocking.”
“I’m positive I didn’t do it.”

​

🔌 Stagehand / Lighting Tech – The Ghost in the Catwalks

Vibe: Quiet, observant, slightly chaotic — sees everything but never gets credit for it.
Half magician, half exhausted miracle worker.

Costume (from your closet):

• All black everything. Hoodie, cargo pants, work gloves.

• Utility belt with carabiners or flashlights.

• Female tip: Add eyeliner, ponytail, and headset for “production energy.”

• Male tip: Black cap, steel-toed shoes, and a mysterious vibe.

Props & Accessories:

• Flashlight, headset, walkie-talkie, clipboard, fake gaffer tape roll.

• Lanyard labeled “STAFF.”

How to Act:

• Appear and vanish silently.

• Fix things mid-scene.

• Sigh dramatically when people don’t “hit their marks.”

Quirks:

• Only speaks when absolutely necessary — then it’s gold.

• Keeps a multitool like it’s sacred.

• Refers to the murder as “technical difficulties.”

Sayings:

“I saw everything from the wings.”
“Relax — I’ll light you properly for the interrogation.”
“If you’d rehearsed this scene, you wouldn’t be dead.”

​

🚛 Tow Truck Operator – The Roadside Philosopher

Vibe: Gruff, grounded, surprisingly deep. Has seen things. Possibly dragged the suspect’s car last night.

Costume (from your closet):

• Jeans, flannel or patched jacket, work boots.

• Baseball cap or trucker hat.

• Female tip: Bandana, fingerless gloves, rolled-up sleeves.

• Male tip: Oil smudge on face, mechanic gloves, reflective vest optional.

Props & Accessories:

• Tow chain, flashlight, fake tow slip, wrench.

• Toy truck, work gloves.

How to Act:

• Speak in metaphors.

• Stretch your back before saying anything wise.

• Talk about the road like it’s a religion.

Quirks:

• Calls everyone “partner.”

• Takes 30 seconds to start a sentence, then nails the ending.

• Never in a hurry. Ever.

Sayings:

“I’ve seen worse wrecks — mostly emotional.”
“You stall out, you call me. You hide a body, you don’t.”
“Some nights the road calls… other nights, it confesses.”

​

🧹 Janitor / Custodian / Crime Scene Clean Up

Vibe: Overworked, underpaid, and definitely overheard something.
Knows every hallway and secret door.

Costume (from your closet):

• Old jumpsuit, utility shirt, jeans, or polo.

• Work boots or sneakers.

• Female tip: Ponytail, rubber gloves, spray bottle prop.

• Male tip: Patch shirt or name tag, rag in pocket, resigned expression.

Props & Accessories:

• Mop, bucket, key ring, spray bottle, clipboard.

• “Wet Floor” sign (or DIY from paper).

How to Act:

• Grumble about messes.

• Interrupt arguments just to empty trash.

• Whisper: “I cleaned up worse in the ʼ90s.”

Quirks:

• Always muttering.

• Gives ominous advice like it’s weather commentary.

• Appears behind people silently.

Sayings:

“Murder? Again? I just mopped there.”
“I know what I saw — and it wasn’t clean.”
“People spill everything eventually.”

​

🔧 Mechanic – The Grease-Stained Genius

Vibe: Friendly, funny, suspiciously good with tools. Could fix a car, a lie, or a cover-up.

Costume (from your closet):

• Coveralls, jeans, band tee, or work jacket.

• Boots or Converse, bandana optional.

• Female tip: Ponytail, bold eyeliner, grease smudge.

• Male tip: Rolled sleeves, shirt tucked into belt, confident smirk.

Props & Accessories:

• Wrench, rag, clipboard, toy car, fake oil rag.

• Coffee thermos labeled “Transmission Fluid.”

How to Act:

• Talk in car metaphors.

• Wipe hands constantly.

• Shrug like you’re hiding the truth under the hood.

Quirks:

• Says “buddy” too often.

• Talks to machines.

• Fixes things no one asked to fix.

Sayings:

“Looks like someone blew a gasket.”
“I’m just here to tune up the truth.”
“Murder? Must’ve been idling too long.”

​

🪓 Lumberjack – The Timber Titan

Vibe: Rugged, reliable, slightly terrifying. Smells faintly of pine and justice.

Costume (from your closet):

• Flannel, jeans, boots, suspenders.

• Female tip: Braids or bun, faux fur vest, practical boots.

• Male tip: Beard or drawn-on stubble, axe prop (fake please).

Props & Accessories:

• Fake axe, thermos, sawdust or dirt smudge.

• “Tree inventory” clipboard.

How to Act:

• Speak in short, confident sentences.

• Nod a lot.

• Sharpen imaginary tools when nervous.

Quirks:

• Laughs once, loudly, then goes silent.

• Talks about trees like they’re people.

• Always carving something.

Sayings:

“I didn’t kill ’em, but I’ve felled bigger.”
“Strong roots, deep grudges.”
“This crime? Grain’s all wrong.”

​

🔩 Welder / Metal Worker – The Sparks Whisperer

Vibe: Stoic artist type. Can turn metal into art… or weapons.

Costume (from your closet):

• Leather apron, dark clothes, work boots, gloves.

• Female tip: Slick ponytail, bandana, smudge makeup for “soot.”

• Male tip: Rolled sleeves, heavy gloves, dark goggles (on head).

Props & Accessories:

• Welding mask (up), gloves, hammer, tongs, or fake blowtorch.

• Scrap metal or shiny “projects.”

How to Act:

• Squint a lot.

• Speak rarely but make it count.

• Tap metal objects for no reason.

Quirks:

• Smells faintly of burnt metal.

• Treats tools like holy relics.

• Hates “artsy types” but secretly is one.

Sayings:

“They were too soft for this world.”
“Pressure and heat reveal the truth.”
“Don’t cross me — I forge my own endings.”

​

⚙️ Union Rep – The Rabble Rouser

Vibe: Loud, proud, and ready to strike — literally and metaphorically.

Costume (from your closet):

• Button-up shirt, jeans, or casual slacks.

• Female tip: Rolled sleeves, clipboard, “Power to the People” pin.

• Male tip: Work jacket, pen in pocket, megaphone.

Props & Accessories:

• Clipboard with “STRIKE?” scrawled in red.

• Stickers or pins, coffee mug labeled “Negotiator.”

How to Act:

• Interrupt conversations with slogans.

• Rally others like it’s a protest.

• Declare “We’re not leaving until we get answers!”

Quirks:

• Claps for their own speeches.

• Organizes people even when they’re hiding.

• Waves clipboard like a flag.

Sayings:

“One for all — except whoever did this.”
“You can’t spell ‘murder’ without ‘union,’ probably.”
“I’m calling a meeting about this mess.”

​

⛏️ Coal Miner / Oil Rig Worker – The Depths Expert

Vibe: Gritty, brave, perpetually tired. Knows darkness better than anyone.

Costume (from your closet):

• Dirty overalls, thermal shirt, boots.

• Female tip: Hair tied back, coal smudges, gloves.

• Male tip: Beanie, flashlight, heavy boots.

Props & Accessories:

• Headlamp, gloves, pickaxe or wrench, dusty rag.

How to Act:

• Speak like you’ve seen too much.

• Avoid eye contact — too much light.

• Refer to everything as “down there.”

Quirks:

• Flinches at bright lights.

• Smells faintly of oil and secrets.

• Keeps rocks or bolts “for luck.”

Sayings:

“We dig deep, even when we shouldn’t.”
“There’s pressure down there — the kind that makes or breaks.”
“I’ve worked in the dark longer than I’ve lived in the light.”

​

👻 The Ghostbuster

Vibe: Confident, slightly chaotic paranormal professional who treats hauntings like minor workplace annoyances. Part scientist, part exterminator, part “please don’t cross the streams.”

​

Costume (from your closet): Khaki or tan jumpsuit, cargo pants with a tucked-in tee, combat boots, or utility vest. Bonus for anything that looks like government-issue gear you definitely weren’t supposed to bring home.

​

Easy to buy: Toy proton blaster, utility belt, Ghostbuster-patch stickers, goggles, fingerless gloves.

Props: Backpack “proton pack” (made from a vacuum or cardboard), flashlight, walkie-talkie, EMF-looking gadget made from random household electronics, slime-colored water bottle.

​

Quirks & How to Act:
Scan rooms dramatically for “paranormal anomalies.” Tap your gadgets and mutter, “Yep… that’s spectral activity.” Deliver science jargon at 100 mph with total confidence. Threaten ghosts like they owe you rent. Shout “I ain’t afraid of no ghost!” right before being absolutely terrified.

​

Sayings:
“Hold on — I’m getting a strong P.K.E. reading.”
“If you see slime… don’t touch it. Trust me.”
“Who you gonna call? …Me, obviously.”
“Alright, ghost! Come out and negotiate!”

​

The Window Washer - Suds, Studs, and Skyline Swagger

Vibe: Fearless above the pavement. Half philosopher, half daredevil. Trusts ropes more than people.

Costume Tips:

• Paint-splattered work pants or dark jeans.

• Fitted long-sleeve tee or flannel, sleeves rolled with purpose.

• Safety harness (real or faux) clipped with carabiners.

• Work boots or sturdy sneakers.

• Backwards cap or beanie.

• Smudge a little fake dirt on cheeks and forearms for that “just rappelled off a skyscraper” glow.

Quirks & How to Act:

• Casually inspect imaginary windows mid-conversation.

• Squint at people and wipe their shoulder like it’s streaky glass.

• Talk about “clarity” like it’s a spiritual calling.

• Refer to the ground as “the lobby.”

• Knock on walls and mutter, “Glass quality’s decent in this joint.”

Props:

• Squeegee (the crown jewel).

• Spray bottle labeled “Industrial Strength Sparkle.”

• Bucket with blue-tinted water.

• Rope or harness gear for dramatic effect.

• Rag tucked into back pocket like a gunslinger’s cloth.

Sayings:

• “I don’t do drama. I remove streaks.”

• “Trust the rope.”

• “Clarity is a lifestyle.”

• “Windows don’t lie. People do.”

• “Streak-free since ’03.”

​

Garbage Collector / Sanitation Engineer – “High-Vis & Highly Unbothered”

Vibe: Up before sunrise. Knows the entire neighborhood’s secrets by curb placement alone. Operates heavy machinery with one hand, coffee with the other. Radiates calm competence and faint citrus disinfectant.

Costume From Your Closet:

• Neon or reflective vest. If you do not own one, any bright yellow or orange shirt works.

• Work pants, cargo pants, or sturdy jeans.

• Boots or worn-in sneakers.

• Baseball cap or beanie.

• Work gloves tucked in back pocket.

• Optional: Safety sunglasses for dramatic curbside authority.

Lightly smudge a little “road dust” on sleeves. Nothing theatrical. This is authenticity, not apocalypse.

Quirks & How to Act:

• Casually assess trash bags like a detective at a crime scene.

• Shake head at poorly tied knots.

• Knock twice on any nearby object and say, “Recyclable.”

• Refer to mornings as “prime route hours.”

• Speak with the serene confidence of someone who has seen everything people throw away.

Props:

• Large black trash bag.

• Small rolling bin or mini garbage can.

• Travel coffee thermos labeled “Route Fuel.”

• Clipboard with a fake “Pickup Schedule.”

• Air freshener clipped to vest for irony.

Sayings:

• “Respect the bin.”

• “Tie it tight or face the fright.”

• “We run this curb.”

• “Trash day waits for no one.”

• “Sanitation is civilization.”

​

Mail Carrier – “Neither Snow Nor Drama”

Vibe:
Steady stride. Neighborhood legend. Knows everyone’s name, dog, and overdue credit card bill. Moves at the pace of destiny with a canvas satchel and unshakable calm. 📬

Costume From Your Closet:

• Blue button-down, polo, or light jacket.

• Navy shorts or pants. Bonus authenticity if it’s freezing and you still choose shorts.

• Crossbody bag or messenger bag stuffed with envelopes.

• Sneakers built for mileage.

• Baseball cap.

• Optional: A small stack of rubber bands around wrist.

Lightly fan out a handful of junk mail for visual impact.

Quirks & How to Act:

• Walk with purpose even if you are going nowhere.

• Casually sort imaginary mail mid-conversation.

• Announce, “Package!” in a firm, heroic tone.

• Be overly familiar with everyone’s pets.

• Squint at addresses like they personally offended you.

Props:

• Envelopes and small padded mailers.

• Clipboard or scanner device.

• Rubber bands.

• Dog treats in pocket for “route diplomacy.”

• A tiny package labeled “FRAGILE” that you treat with theatrical reverence.

Sayings:

• “Rain, shine, or tax season.”

• “Signature required.”

• “I know your porch better than you do.”

• “It’s not junk. It’s opportunity.”

• “The route never sleeps.”