1. Elements of Mystery Reading the Mystery!

2. A mystery has: Catchy title Mood of suspense Clues to keep the reader involved Plot with problems, complications, climax and resolution to problems.

3. Purpose of the Mystery Entertain the reader Make the reader predict what will happen next Recognize clues that something is about to happen-foreshadowing Use of the flashback to give the reader important information.

4. Conflict All mysteries have at least one conflict Many have more than one story line within the story. Internal-conflict that exists in ones mind, within ones self. External conflict-man verus another person or an outside force.

5. Characters Protagonist -the central character or hero in a narrative or drama. Antagonist-the “bad guy” or the person who works against the hero. Characters-person, animal or imaginary creature in a story.

6. Plot Sequence of events that make up a story. Exposition-sets the tone, introduces the setting and characters. Climax-turning point in the story Resolution/falling action- part of the story after the climax.

7. Types of Mysteries Detective stories Secret agent stories Crime stories Police procedurals Strange occurrences Urban Legends