Mystery Unit

Elements of a Mystery Story or Novel Characters Suspect: character(s) who may have committed the crime or caused the problem Detective: character(s) trying to solve the mystery. Sleuth is another word for detective. Witness: character(s) who saw the crime being committed

Elements of a Mystery Setting Where and when the story takes placeWhere and when the story takes place Can help create mood of the storyCan help create mood of the story

Elements of a Mystery Plot Usually, the story includes one of the following: a problem that needs to be solved a problem that needs to be solved an event that cannot be explained an event that cannot be explained a secret a secret a crime that has been committed a crime that has been committed something lost or missing something lost or missing

Elements of a Mystery Clues: hints that help the detective and the reader solve the mystery Red herrings: false or misleading clues that lead a detective or reader off track or make it more difficult to solve the mystery

Additional Mystery Vocabulary to Know alibi – an excuse offered by a suspect stating he/she was elsewhere when a crime was committed crime – an act that is against the law evidence – something that might help prove a fact in a trial innocent – not guilty interrogate – to question formally

investigate – to observe or study by close examination and inquiry