Handout 6: Simulation Descriptions: Random Congregants

As a group, brainstorm a list of personalities to weave into the simulation. Work together to develop character profiles, choosing gender, age, ethnic identity, interests, occupation, family status, and personality attributes. Once your group has created the character profiles, decide who will inhabit each character during the simulation. Characters in this group can work together—or not. A "random congregant" can act as a single, radical agent or join with others to advocate for a particular issue (or set of issues).

Suggested Characters/Archetypes

Some personality types to consider developing include:

  • The optimist: The glass is always half full!
  • The longtime member: Been there, tried that.
  • The cynic: There are no new ideas that will work.
  • The idealist: All we need are good intentions; it'll all work out.
  • The radical: Let's burn the house down, baby!
  • The resister: All this stuff is crap! Get over it, and let's move on.
  • The idea person: I've got lots of ideas, but I can't help out. I'm too busy.
  • The social worker: You people need to understand what's really happening here.
  • The facilitator: Ok, let's hear what everyone has to say. Every idea is great.
  • The scientist: I need to see some facts here. What's the evidence?