In Cold Blood A work of creative non-fiction Written like a novel, but true. Not necessarily chronological Told from alternating points of view
Truman Capote Born 1925 Childhood friend of Nell Harper Lee Novel first serialized in The New Yorker in 1965 Novel launched his career to the high society circles Died 1984
Capote first learned of the murders through an article in the New York Times
Law and Order
Setting
The road to the Clutter home
The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call “out there.” Clutter Family Home (as it stands today)
Law… The Victims The Criminals The Witnesses The Investigators
The Victims
Herb Clutter Head of the Clutter household Well-liked, respected member of the Holcomb community Fairly prosperous
Bonnie Clutter Wife of Herb Clutter Mother of four A recluse
Nancy Clutter Daughter of Herb and Bonnie Clutter Well-liked and popular Bright, energetic, responsible Dating Bobby Rupp
Kenyon Clutter Son of Herb and Bonnie Clutter Quiet and reserved Enjoys working with his hands Fifteen years old
The Criminals
Perry Smith Convicted thief Sentenced to Kansas State Penitentiary Met Dick Hickock in jail
Dick Hickock Inmate in Kansas State Penitentiary Friend of Perry Smith Learned of Clutter family from fellow inmate Floyd Wells
Floyd Wells Past employee of Herb Clutter Tells Hickcock that the Clutters are wealthy Connects Hickcock and Smith to the deaths of the Clutters
KBI The Investigators
Alvin Dewey Main detective in the Clutter investigation Acquaintance of Herb Clutter
Other Investigators KBI Supervisor Al Dewey, County Attorney Duane West, Sheriff Earl Robinson, and KBI Agent Clarence Duntz. (left to right)
To our “human” brothers who live after us, Do not harden your hearts against us, Because, the more you have pity on us poor ones, The more mercy God will show you.