Mysteries

Essential Components of a Mystery Plot is centered around a crime. Central conflict is centered around the person(s) trying to solve the crime versus the criminal’s efforts to cover his or her tracks. Clues are scattered throughout the story to give the reader a chance to “figure it out.” Main character  person trying to solve the crime (i.e., actual detective, a person who gets involved for personal reasons, etc).

Essential Components Cont’d Use descriptive writing to create suspense and an atmosphere of danger. Showing instead of telling Allows the readers to find clues on their own and develop their own suspicions. Ex. Of showing not telling: Brad was a horribly messy person. ‘Oh, there’s my sandwich!’ Brad exclaimed triumphantly, spying yesterday’s meatball sub protruding from the heap of dirty laundry on the backseat of his car.

Essential Components It was a hot day. Her shirt stuck to her back, and sweat rolled down her forehead as she trudged across the parched grass to the porch, where a Collie panted in the thin shadow offered by the rocking chair. Map out exactly how the crime was committed – imagine every detail. Give the criminal a clear and convincing motive. Know the ending first so that you can build towards it.

Essential Components Make a list of clues that point to the culprit that you will scatter throughout the piece. Decide which is the crucial clue that will solve the mystery. Include red herrings to throw your reader off track. A clue that intentionally leads reader to a false conclusion. These can be used to point to the wrong character Clues should logically lead to the solution, even if you are including red herrings. Be sure to not OVERUSE them!

Essential Components Do your research! Begin the action right away. If you are choosing to poison someone, make sure the poison you are choosing is real and you know how it works. If police work is involved, make sure you know the real procedures. Begin the action right away. You may include some type of sub-plot to the actual mystery.

It was a dark and stormy night… Your turn… You will have 10 minutes to write, however the first sentence of your piece will be: It was a dark and stormy night… Once the 10 minutes is up, you will meet with 3 other people to discuss which direction your mystery went.

Let’s talk After having completed the short writing task, consider the following: What descriptive technique works best to create atmosphere? What plot technique works best to create atmosphere? What setting technique works best to create atmosphere?