Mezuka
Hero
I never start with D&D. You don't need rules to initiate people to roleplaying.
To begin with, I just tell them a short story involving a disappearance. They are the heroes and must find and rescue the person. No character sheet. At first, I describe the situation and give them a few choices. Once they understand the concept I ask them 'what do you do'.
If something is uncertain I tell them the odds of success on 1d6. Odds vary with the degree of difficulty. Same for combat.
Once this short story is resolved, usually in 30-45 minutes (keep it short), I ask them if they like it and if they want to play D&D. Then and only then do we create characters.
To begin with, I just tell them a short story involving a disappearance. They are the heroes and must find and rescue the person. No character sheet. At first, I describe the situation and give them a few choices. Once they understand the concept I ask them 'what do you do'.
If something is uncertain I tell them the odds of success on 1d6. Odds vary with the degree of difficulty. Same for combat.
Once this short story is resolved, usually in 30-45 minutes (keep it short), I ask them if they like it and if they want to play D&D. Then and only then do we create characters.