Dervla Kirwan: How would you describe yourself in three words? — FLAPSS

The question

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this exact standing prompt.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

DK

Dervla Kirwan

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Warm, intelligent, accommodating.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

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Giovanna Fletcher

Prepared, focused, a bit silly.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 February 2024 source ↗

Niamh Cusack Irish actress

Nearly good enough.

Recorded Rosanna Greenstreet, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 October 2021 source ↗

Funny, loyal, genuine.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 September 2025 source ↗

Rebecca Lucy Taylor

Big, shy, angry.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 November 2025 source ↗

More from Dervla Kirwan

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Question What scares you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Pain and loneliness.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question What is the worst thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

That I am a terrible actor.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Time & hindsight

To know thyself, as Shakespeare said.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question Which moment embarrassed you most? Failure & regret

Recently, sending a negative text about a person to that person.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question What would you like to leave your children? Death & what remains

Good self-esteem.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

Question What is the worst job you have done? Craft & work

About five years ago, I was in a play that was an unmitigated disaster. I had to rally the troops and go out every night.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 2023 source ↗

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