The Screaming Woman

By: Ray Bradbury

Characters

Heather Mom & Dad Lou Ann Nesbitt Dippy Charlie Nesbitt Old Man Kelly Police

Neighborhood Old Man Kelly’s Lot American Town 1980’s

Setting

Follow your instincts; stick with your gut Be persistent! Looks can be deceiving.

Theme

Third Person Limited Omniscient

(The narrator knows what Heather is thinking and feeling.)

Point of View

Suspense Suspicion

Tone

Heather is on an errand and stops to read her

comic; she hears screaming coming from the ground.

Exposition

Heather’s parents don’t believe her. Dippy doesn’t believer her. Heather calls the cops on Mr. Kelly. Heather visits Mr. Nesbitt and runs away

frightened. Heather stops humming to tell her dad

goodnight.

Rising Action

Heather’s dad recognizes the tune and races

to find that Heather is gone.

Climax

Heather’s dad stops Charlie Nesbitt by hitting

him with a shovel and saves Heather.

Falling Action

Police arrive. Lou Ann is saved!

Resolution