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Elements of a Mystery1) Characters

- Suspects: Character(s) accused of committing the crime

- Detectives: Character(s) trying to solve the mystery

- Witnesses: Character (s) who saw the crime being committed or acts

as an alibi

for the suspect

2) Setting- usually an enclosed or confined space to keep evidence contained

(the crime scene)

3) Clues- hints that help the reader and the detectives (what people say or do

as well as objects that provide important information which leads to

discovery)

4) Distractions- called Red Herrings, these are false clues that lead the reader

and detectives off track, they can be an obstacle to solving the mystery.

5) Plot- the sequence of events and conflicts in a story (similar to the short

story plot line)

Exposition:

- The scene is set and the crime is planned or set up.

Exciting Force:

The crime is discovered.

The detective arrives on the scene and begins to collect evidence,

including determining if there were any witnesses and looking for a

suspect.

Climax/Discovery:

Suspects and Witnesses are brought forth. Sometimes this will includechase scenes, interrogations, red herrings, and real clues that will help the

reader and detective solve the mystery.

Falling Action:

The truth comes out. All of the evidence is considered and the detective

gives a hypothesis of what happened, who did it and the motive for the

crime.

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Elements of a MysteryDenouement:

The suspect must have a reason for committing the crime.

Justice is served. Usually justice will prevail, but not in every mystery.