Mysterious Circumstances An Introduction

Mystery: A Problem to Solve zAll mysteries have certain elements: yA Problem to be solved yA Realistic Setting yA Main Character who solves the mystery

Edgar Allan Poe’s Criteria for a Mystery zBased on analysis and rational thought zReach a solution by a step-by-step recreation of the crime zFocus the reader’s attention on how the crime was committed and not on the crime or the suspects in the case

Mystery’s Five W’s zWHO had the opportunity to commit the crime? zWHEN and WHERE did the crime occur? zWHAT clues were found? zWHY was the crime committed? (motive) zHOW was the crime committed?

Characters zCharacters in a mystery must behave like real people although there may be stereotypes. zMain Characters must be fully developed and well-rounded. Main Characters Sleuth / Detective SuspectsWitnesses

Setting zThe Setting has to be Realistic, and consequently, zMysteries are a sub-genre of realistic fiction.

Plot zDetective stories depend on a strong plot and often contain subplots that heighten suspense. zThe major events are sequenced in a specific and logical order so that the story makes sense.

The Plot will include: Opportunity Means Motive something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act the agency or method by which something happens a favorable juncture of circumstances

The Plot will include: Alibi Evidence Suspects the fact or state of having been elsewhere at the time of a crime something legally submitted to a tribunal to ascertain the truth of a matter A person or persons believed to be guilty without having proof of their guilt

Clues and Distractions zClues – The author drops hints which we call evidence, and consequently the reader might be able to solve the mystery. zDistractions – The author purposely adds elements to the stories to distract the reader from the solution. These are called Red Herrings.

Conclusion zThe story must have a credible, realistic end to the story. zDenouement – (day-noo-man) - the solution of a plot in a mystery, usually reviewed by the detective at the end of the story

What’s Fun about Mysteries? zObserving Clues zGuessing a Solution zFiguring out “Who-dun-it”

How Good a Sleuth Are You?