Character card

Name: Mrs Jane Porpington

Age 52

You have not had a paid job for some 18 years but have been busy bringing up your daughter, running the house and supporting your husband’s career. This involved not minding when he works late and at weekends. You have always cooked for and hosted business dinners and luncheons for him. You also sit on a number of charity committees and often put on fund raising events. You were very upset when he said he wanted to separate because although you had been fighting a lot recently you didn’t think he wanted to leave.

Since he said he wanted a divorce you have felt very angry and hurt especially since you have heard he has a girlfriend. Every time you see him you want to pick a fight. You feel you deserve your share of the property and continued financial support because you have not followed your own career because it seemed more important to support his.

Character Card

Name: Mr. Roger Porpington

Age 59

You are the managing director of an exclusive chain of clothing stores. You have worked hard for 25 years to get where you are. It has involved a lot of overtime and socializing with clients. Your wife has always been very supportive and done a good job looking after the house and family.

But over the last few years you have felt that she cares more about her charity work than about you. You feel you have been drifting apart and your views about life have changed. Your work has enabled you to meet new people and feel they are better friends than your wife. There is one particular lady that you have fallen in love with and want to be able to have an open relationship with. You are used to the rich lifestyle you have worked so hard for and don’t want to give any of it up.

You think your wife’s demands are unreasonable and always end up fighting with her. You do not like to discuss Miss Lane (your lover) with your wife because you don’t want to hurt her.

Character Card

Name: Miss Kathryn Porpington

Age 17

You have noticed that your parents don’t talk to each other very much and recently have found them arguing a lot. You love them both very much and don’t like the idea of them separating. You will soon be going off to university and are worried that you will not get the emotional and financial support you were hoping for.

You feel your mother has not given your dad enough attention recently and are also angry at your dad for seeing this new lady.

Character Card

Name: Mr. White

Age 50

You are Mr. Porpington’s lawyer. You have known him for 12 years and represented him on many occasions. He is also a friend as you often play golf together. You want to help him get everything he wants. You also feel sorry for Mrs. Porpington who does not seem to want a divorce.

Your role is to take instruction from Mr. Porpinton and make sure he gets a fair deal.

Character Card

Name: Ms. Smith

Age 47

You are Mrs. Porpington’s lawyer. You often represent women who have devoted their lives to their husbands and feel that they have worked as hard as their husbands over the years and so deserve their share of the assets. You also feel that Mr. Porpington made a commitment to support his wife and children when they got married and should honour that commitment.

Your role is to take instructions from Mrs. Porpington and ensure that her interests are protected.

Character Card

Name: Miss Janis Lane

Age 49

You met Mr. Porpinton at a business function two years ago and liked him straight away. You have been seeing him for a year and a half. He says he is not happy with his wife because she doesn’t understand him any more. You think he has a very comfortable life style and enjoy him taking you out to expensive restaurants. Your job earns £25,000 a year. Your parents are well-off so although you yourself are not wealthy you are accustomed to the high life. You do love him and are hoping that when he is divorced you will be able to marry him. You have never wanted children and are glad that his daughter is nearly grown up.

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