2. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
CharactersCharacters
• Suspects: characters who may haveSuspects: characters who may have
committed the crime or caused the problemcommitted the crime or caused the problem
• Detectives: characters trying to solve theDetectives: characters trying to solve the
mysterymystery
• Witnesses: characters who saw the crimeWitnesses: characters who saw the crime
being committedbeing committed
3. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
SettingSetting
• Where the mystery takesWhere the mystery takes
placeplace
• Can help create mood of theCan help create mood of the
storystory
4. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
Plot: The story of the mysteryPlot: The story of the mystery
Usually, the story includes one of the following:Usually, the story includes one of the following:
• a problem that needs to be solveda problem that needs to be solved
• an event that cannot be explainedan event that cannot be explained
• a secreta secret
• a crime that has been committeda crime that has been committed
• something lost or missingsomething lost or missing
5. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
CluesClues
• hints that help the detective and the reader solvehints that help the detective and the reader solve
the mysterythe mystery
• can be objects that are found or things people saycan be objects that are found or things people say
or door do
6. Elements of a MysteryElements of a Mystery
Most mysteries are set up the same way and look like this:Most mysteries are set up the same way and look like this:
• Middle: detectives work to solve the mystery byMiddle: detectives work to solve the mystery by
gathering clues and interviewing suspectsgathering clues and interviewing suspects
• End: the mystery is solvedEnd: the mystery is solved
• Beginning: meet the characters and learn about theBeginning: meet the characters and learn about the
problemproblem
