#2 Characters
Who is a unique individual with a strong sense of justice and a drive to serve the greater good?
The loner
What is a "locked room mystery," and where can these stories take place?
A crime in a sealed or closed location, like a locked room or a place people can't leave.
What genre is known for shaping perceptions of justice and safety through its portrayal of crime and resolution?
Crime fiction
What is the focus in traditional detective stories?
Whodunit = figuring out what has happened and solving the crime.
What is the traditional structure of crime fiction?
Home-out-home model
Who hangs out at shady all-night bars and has an ambition to save America all by himself?
The hard-boiled loner
Why do crime fiction stories often happen in small idyllic towns?
To create contrast between peace and murder.
How does Melanie McGrath explain why women are the primary readers of crime fiction and how can this perspective be debated?
Women read crime fiction to cope with fears of violence and find relief in solving fictional crimes.
What is Sherlock Holmes' method called?
Deduction
What is a push effect in crime stories that helps move the plot forward?
An expert providing key information
Why does the main characters often have problematic lives behind them?
It makes them human and lets us empathize with them
What is the purpose of the setting in a crime fiction story?
To create disorder and explain characters' actions.
How does crime fiction use its narrative to shed light on societal issues and norms surrounding crime?
Crime fiction highlights societal issues like trafficking and violence, reflecting norms around crime and justice while provoking critical thought.
How is "Dexter" an example of a different type of crime story?
"Dexter" focuses on who Dexter is as a person and how he avoids being caught as a murderer, instead of just focusing on solving crimes.
What is the purpose of a "red herring" in crime fiction?
To distract readers from the truth
Who is the exception to the rule and smarter than the average Joe, plain Jane and man in the street?
Miss Marple
How do big cities like London or New York enhance crime fiction stories?
They show contrasts like wealth vs poverty and allow societal themes.
Why, according to P.D. James, might readers find comfort in crime fiction despite its predictable structure?
P.D. James suggests crime fiction comforts readers by showing justice is served, offering order in a chaotic world.
What does deduction mean?
Deduction means observing something and making a conclusion based on what you observe.
What does Ronald Knox believe crime fiction should avoid?
Coincidences and accidents
Who is considered to be the father of crime fiction?
Edgar Allan Poe
How do crime writers make their stories realistic?
By using real places, logical details, and changes in settings.
Why do readers form strong emotional connections with fictional crime characters like Sherlock Holmes?
Because these characters explore universal themes of good and evil and often embody qualities like intelligence and perseverance.
What do some crime writers focus on instead of the crime itself?
Some writers focus on the psychology of the characters, such as understanding who they are.
What is a "reveal" in crime fiction?
A surprising twist that changes what the audience thought they knew