This character is on trial for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in his science class.
Bertram Cates
Explain why this trial is called the "trial of the century."
This trial is unprecedented. No one has ever gone against the law that states only creationism can be taught in school. The trial features two very famous lawyers, one for the defense and one for the prosecution. The trial has attracted a lot of media attention.
The trial is widely viewed as evolution versus creationism. Henry Drummond believes it is about something deeper than that. What does he believe this trial is really about?
The right to think for oneself.
What is the final verdict of the jury? What is Bert's sentence?
The jury finds Cates guilty of breaking the law. The judge sentences him to pay a fine of $100.
Who is Howard?
This character is a young boy who is seen in the opening scene of the play. He is also called as a witness to testify to what Bert Cates taught him in school. He ends up admiring Henry Drummond for making him think for himself.
This character is Rachel's father and wants to see Cates prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Reverend Jeremiah Brown
What are the two "teachings" that are at the center of the trial? Name and describe each.
Creationism is the belief that God created all things in our world. It comes from the bible and is regarded as fact in Hillsboro.
Evolution is the belief that all life has evolved from earlier life. The theory comes from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, and it is regarded as sin and blasphemy in Hillsboro.
Rachel Brown changes throughout the play. Compare her character from the beginning of the play to her character at the end of the play. What has changed?
At the beginning of the play, Rachel believes what Bert did was wrong. She doesn't want to see him hurt, but she doesn't believe in what he taught or why he taught it. At the end of the play, she understands that the trial was about the right to think. She can see the value in letting people think for themselves and not forcing others to believe one thing over the other.
What is Brady's reaction to the sentence of the judge?
He is appalled that the sentence is so light. He was expecting to have Cates put in jail for teaching about evolution. "Your Honor, the prosecution takes exception! Where the issues are so titanic, the court must mete out more drastic punishment-".
Who is Melinda?
This character is seen in the opening scene, and Howard calls her family "worms." She helps set up the theme of the play - the debate between evolution and creationism.
This character is the counsel for the defense. He believes men and women should be allowed to think for themselves and is defending Cates' decision.
Henry Drummond
What conflict does Rachel Brown face in the drama?
Rachel is Bert Cates' friend, but she is also the Reverend's daughter. She doesn't necessarily agree with Bert's choice to teach evolution, but she doesn't want to see his life ruined. She must choose between pleasing her father and following their religion or standing by her friend.
Explain E.K. Hornbeck's character in the play. Why is his character so important?
E.K. Hornbeck is a journalist from Baltimore who has come to Hillsboro to cover the trial. He considers himself more "sophisticated" than the townspeople of Hillsboro, and he is much more "modern" in terms of his thinking. He pokes fun at the idea of creationism over evolution. His character is important to the play because he helps to reveal things about the characters from a different lens.
Matthew Harrison Brady wishes to make some remarks at the end of the trial. Describe the townspeople's reaction to his remarks.
The townspeople seem disinterested in what he has to say. They talk over him, they don't pay attention, they move on with their lives even though Brady wishes to continue talking about the trial and command his audience. Brady is flustered and confused by the reaction of the townspeople.
Who is Rachel?
This character is the reporter from the Baltimore Herald sent to cover the "trial of the century."
E.K. Hornbeck
Explain why Henry Drummond has an uphill battle to face when he comes to Hillsboro to defend Bert Cates.
The trial is already full of bias against the defendant. All of the townspeople believe Bert is guilty, and the trial is already unfair. The townspeople admire Matthew Harrison Brady, and they worship what he stands for. Drummond already has a lot of work to do to make this as fair a trial as possible for Bert Cates.
Why and how does the crowd's opinion change during the trial?
The townspeople at the beginning of the play are convinced what Cates did was wrong and deserves severe punishment. They follow Rev. Brown and his teachings without giving thought to any other opinion. As the trial goes on and as Drummond questions Brady, they begin to see that there might be more to investigate in their religion. They don't become atheists by any means, but they begin to see things from a new lens.
During his final remarks at the conclusion of the trial, what happens to Brady?
All of a sudden, he collapses and is then rushed to the town doctor. We find out later that he dies.
Who is Meeker?
This character is the lead prosecutor in the trial. He ran for president of the United States on multiple occasions, unsuccessfully. He is viewed as a celebrity in Hillsboro and elsewhere.
Matthew Harrison Brady
Explain why the prayer meeting before the trial is such an important scene. Who is running the prayer meeting, and what does the audience learn from that scene?
The prayer meeting is held by Reverend Brown in front of the courthouse the night before the trial is to begin. We learn that the Reverend wants to see Cates prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for his "sins." Even Matthew Harrison Brady points out to the reverend that it is possible to be "over the top" with his eagerness to put Cates away.
What is Rachel's testimony? What effect does it have on the trial?
Rachel is questioned by Brady, and she testifies that Bert left the church, and he made remarks that made fun of or questioned their faith. She tells the court that Bert said that "Man created God - not the other way around." She is torn in her testimony; she doesn't want Bert to be hurt, but she also doesn't believe in what he did. Her testimony helps convict Bert of his "crime."
Contrast the reactions of Hornbeck and Drummond after hearing the news of Brady's death.
Hornbeck pokes fun at the death of Brady. He says that he will not weep for a man who weeps enough for himself. Drummond defends Brady's legacy because he respects him as an opponent and as a man. He yells at Hornbeck for not respecting all that Brady has worked for, even if it isn't what he agrees with.
Who is Davenport?
This character is the district attorney for the prosecution. He is from the town of Hillsboro and is usually the lead prosecutor in cases, but because Brady is there to prosecute, Davenport becomes second-in-command.