1. Richard Matheson’s “Button, Button” Story Map Review
MRS. FISCHER
ELA-7

2. Characters - Norma Married to Arthur
She is intrigued by the button and wonders what will happen if she pushes it
She thinks about the things that they could do with all of the money
Character traits:
Greedy
Selfish
Mean
Disrespectful

3. Characters - Arthur Married to Norma
Disgusted by the fact that Norma is considering pushing the button
He wants nothing to do with the button and tells Norma to just get rid of it
Character traits:
Rational
Moral

4. Characters – Mr. Steward
The man who dropped the button off at Norma and Arthur’s house
When Norma complained that Arthur was killed, Mr. Steward asked if she really knew her husband
Character traits:
Mysterious

5. Setting
1950’s
New York, NY
Apartment Building

6. Conflict Internal Conflict External Conflict
Norma struggled with whether or not to push the button
Is the money worth the loss of another human life?
Norma and Arthur disagree about the button offer
Arthur wants nothing to do with the unit and cannot understand why Norma is so interested
Norma insisted on pushing the button

7. Point of View Third Person Limited
Gives one character’s thoughts and reactions (Norma)
Tells little about the other characters in the story
Uses third person pronouns such as he, she, they and them

8. Parts of the Plot Exposition Climax Resolution
Norma and Arthur receive a package at their apartment. Mr. Steward is introduced and explains to the couple that if they push the button, someone they do not know will die, and they will receive $50,000. Norma and Arthur argue about the button.
Climax
Norma pushes the button after Arthur has left for work and she promised she wouldn’t.
Resolution
Arthur is killed by a subway train. Mr. Steward calls Norma after Arthur has died, and he questions whether or not she really knew her husband.

9. Theme Sometimes you don’t someone as well as you think you do
Greed leads to destruction
Some people will stop at nothing for money