“The Open Window” by Saki

Setting: Rural, English countryside rectory home of the Sappletons’; October late afternoon/dusk
Atmosphere (Mood): Light, non-serious with a suspenseful and humorous twist to the end
Point of View: Third person omniscient

Protagonist: Framton Nuttel

Antagonist: Mrs. Sappelton’s niece Vera
Conflict: Person vs person – Vera aims to disrupt Nuttel’s chance for peace and serenity. Also, person vs
self is present, to a lesser extent, in Nuttel’s poor attempt to hold on to his fragile mind.
Theme (central message of the author): Adults can be exceedingly dim-witted and easy to fool.
B.
Plot Line:
II. III.
I. A. C.
I. Exposition (Introductory elements such
as the characters and setting) B. Climax (Usually occurs near the very end of a short
story—it is the moment of most heightened interest or
suspense.)
• Nuttel reason for visiting the
Sappletons is revealed. Nuttel quickly glances out the window and is terrified to
see the image of the men and dog returning from the misty
• Vera is introduced. bog at dusk.
• The setting is discussed.
• Vera begins to assess Nuttel and
quickly hatches her story III. Falling Action (Usually only 1 or 2
incidents/actions that follow after the
climactic scene)
A. Complicating Incident (This sets in motion
everything else in the story. If it wasn’t for this, • Nuttel, in a total panic, runs hurriedly from
nothing else of interest would happen in the story.) the Sappleton’s home and into the street.
• The Sappletons (except for Vera) are
Nuttel is convinced that the ghastly story of the bewildered by his odd, rude behavior.
deaths of the men is true and feels that Mrs.
Sappleton is losing her hold on reality.

II. Rising Action (Most of the action occurs in

the rising action section—lots of details.)

• Mrs. Sappleton remains fixed on looking C. Resolution/Denouement (The very last part of
out the window. the short story—how it wraps up.)
• Nuttel becomes agitated by Mrs. • Vera explains Nuttel’s quick departure by
Sappleton’s “odd behavior,” and tries to creating an elaborate story regarding Nuttel’s
change the topic to issues related to his fear of dogs.
illness and dietary needs.
• The reader senses Vera’s satisfaction with her
• Mrs. Sappleton excitedly reacts to the men
own trickery.
returning from the bog.
• Nuttel at first believes Mrs. Sappleton has
lost her mind and then looks at the
stunned, horrified expression on Vera’s
face.