Running a 1-on-1 intro session for my non-English-speaking partner — tips for keeping it simple and fun?
Hey everyone! I've been playing D&D for a few years and I really want to introduce my girlfriend to the hobby. She's never played before and honestly has no idea what it is, so I want to ease her in gently before she joins my regular group.
The main reason I'm doing this 1-on-1 first is language — D&D uses a lot of complex English (rules, spells, stat blocks) and English isn't our first language. A full group session would be overwhelming before she even understands the basics.
My goal is a short, self-contained adventure — something fun, low-stakes, and that ends with her wanting to play again. Not a full campaign, just a taste.
A few things I'm thinking about but would love advice on:
- How simple should the character be? Should I just hand her a pre-made character, or let her pick something? I'm worried too many choices will kill the vibe before we even start.
- How do I handle rules? Do I explain them upfront or just introduce them as they come up?
- What kind of adventure works best? Something with combat, social, and exploration, or just focus on one?
- How do I keep her engaged if she freezes or doesn't know what to do?
- Any red flags or common mistakes that kill first-time player experiences?
Any advice from DMs who've done this before — especially with players who aren't native English speakers — would mean a lot. Thanks!