Deborah Ann Woll’s Perfect Method for Introducing Newcomers to D&D

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons. The iconic tabletop role-playing game has seen a surge in popularity, thanks in part to its increased visibility in pop culture. As more newcomers join the game, the need for experienced Dungeon Masters (DMs) to guide them becomes more essential. However, many new players often find the process of learning the game daunting. The intricate character sheets and detailed rules can be overwhelming, and most people prefer to jump straight into gameplay rather than a lengthy setup.

One of the latest newcomers to explore the world of Dungeons & Dragons is actor Jon Bernthal. He received his introduction to the TTRPG through Deborah Ann Woll, a skilled DM who adeptly led him through the basics on Bernthal’s REAL ONES podcast. In the episode, Woll explains the premise of the game to Bernthal, who shows interest but also hesitancy about learning the complexities of D&D. Woll tackles this by demonstrating, rather than just explaining, what makes D&D so engaging.

To immerse Bernthal in the D&D experience, Woll sets up a simple yet evocative scene. She describes Bernthal’s character traveling through a forest at night, with a bow, sword, and dagger at hand, and faint moonlight offering minimal visibility. Suddenly, a distant crack is heard. Bernthal, displaying the curiosity typical of both novice and seasoned players, asks for more details to gauge the situation.

“How far away?” he asks eagerly. Woll then elaborates on various elements of Dungeons & Dragons, including gameplay mechanics, settings, creatures, and lore. When Bernthal inquires about the objective of the game and whether it’s about winning, Woll provides an insightful response:

“The goal is to tell a great story.”

You can watch the full conversation, where Woll also discusses the influence of D&D on her acting career and personal life.