​PRISONER LOOKS

TYPES OF PRISONER CHARACTERS

The New Arrival

Freshly convicted, completely overwhelmed, and still insisting someone will correct the paperwork.

Costume: Clean orange jumpsuit or striped shirt, new prisoner number, basic sneakers.

Behavior: Jumps at every noise, asks too many questions, and tells everyone, “I don’t belong here.”

​

The Hardened Inmate

Has survived long enough to know every rule—including the ones nobody says aloud.

Costume: Weathered jumpsuit, boots, rolled sleeves, fingerless gloves, and plenty of dirt.

Behavior: Watches everyone carefully, speaks in warnings, and never sits with their back to the door.

​

The Wrongfully Accused

Innocent, outraged, and ready to explain the entire conspiracy to anyone trapped nearby.

Costume: Prison uniform with a crumpled legal document, case file, or homemade “INNOCENT” sign.

Behavior: Constantly presents evidence, names suspects, and demands an appeal.

​

The Escape Artist

Always studying exits and definitely not digging a tunnel with that spoon.

Costume: Torn prison uniform, utility belt, scuffed boots, and a suspiciously packed bag.

Behavior: Measures walls, pockets useful objects, and disappears whenever guards are mentioned.

​

The Island Survivor (Dregs Island Game)

Less like an inmate and more like someone who has adapted a little too successfully.

Costume: Distressed cargo pants, torn shirt, weathered vest, boots, bandages, and layered survival gear.

Behavior: Hoards supplies, distrusts newcomers, and calls ordinary snacks “valuable rations.”

​

The Prison Boss

Controls the cellblock—or at least the corner closest to the buffet.

Costume: Customized prison uniform, heavy chain, rings, dark glasses, and a long coat or vest.

Behavior: Gives orders, collects favors, and speaks as though every conversation is a negotiation.

​

ACCESSORIES FOR EVERY INMATE

• Cardboard mugshot sign with a prisoner number

• Lightweight plastic handcuffs or chains

• Crumpled escape map

• Homemade shiv crafted safely from cardboard or foam

• Tin cup, canteen, or ration pouch

• File marked “CONFIDENTIAL”

• Bandages, dirt smudges, and weathered gloves

• Plastic spoon labeled “NOT FOR TUNNELING”

• Backpack containing highly suspicious supplies

• Note reading “PAROLE DENIED”

​

CHARACTER BEHAVIOR TIPS

• Call authority figures “Warden,” whether they are one or not.

• Guard your food like it’s the last meal on the island.

• Constantly check doors, windows, and possible escape routes.

• Trade useless information for favors.

• Speak quietly whenever discussing “the plan.”

• Invent a prison nickname and refuse to reveal your real one.

• Treat every new arrival as either an ally or a threat.

• Insist that you were framed—even if your character obviously wasn’t.

• Hide harmless objects whenever someone approaches.

• Refer to the murder as “just another day on the island/block.”

​

PRISONER CATCHPHRASES

• “I was framed—and not even flatteringly.”

• “My alibi is currently under appeal.”

• “I’m not escaping. I’m leaving without authorization.”

• “You don’t survive this long by trusting good posture and a friendly smile.”

• “That information will cost you two snacks and a favor.”

• “Orange is not my color.”

• “I’ve done my time—about eleven minutes.”

• “Everyone is innocent when the guards are listening.”

• “There are no secrets here—only information nobody has traded yet.”

• “On this island/block, suspicion is a survival skill.”

​

Whether your prisoner is innocent, dangerous, calculating, or simply terrible at escaping, the key is to look weathered, stay suspicious, and act like every conversation could determine your survival. Keep your allies close, protect your rations, and never explain why you’re carrying that spoon.