Characters
The quiet banker from Maine is sentenced to two life terms at Shawshank Prison
Who is Andy
the name of the Maine state prison where most of the story take place
What is Shawshank Sate Penitentiary
Andy is convicted of murdering two people
Who are his wife and her lover (Quintin)
What is opera music
the movie is based on a novella by this Author
Who is Stephen King
He is the long-time inmate who can “get things” for other prisoners.
Who is Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding?
This feared group of the prison is known for brutal sexual assaults.
What is “the Sisters”?
Andy gains protection by offering help with this professional skill.
What is financial and tax planning?
This punishment follows Andy’s act of defiance with the music.
What is two months in solitary confinement?
The novella’s title is different from the movie’s title.
What is Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption?
This young inmate befriends Andy and later reveals crucial information about another prisoner’s crime.
Who is Tommy Williams?
The harsh punishment cell is used to discipline prisoners
What is "The Hole" solitary confinement
This moment on the rooftop marks the first time inmates openly benefit from Andy’s knowledge.
What is Andy helping guards with taxes during the rooftop beer scene?
This act demonstrates Andy’s belief that hope exists even in confinement.
What is playing opera music over the loudspeakers?
The story in both versions is primarily narrated from this inmate’s perspective.
Who is Red?
This elderly inmate is responsible for the prison library and becomes deeply distressed when faced with release from Shawshank.
Who is Brooks Hatlen?
This location becomes a symbol of hope due to Andy’s long-term persistence and letter writing.
What is the prison library?
Andy creates and maintains this false identity to manage illegal funds.
What is Peter Stephens?
This event permanently ends Andy’s chance for a legal appeal.
What is Tommy being killed?
The film places greater emphasis than the book on Andy’s role in this institutional project.
What is expanding and modernizing the prison library?
This cruel guard frequently abuses inmates and targets weaker prisoners.
Who is Byron Hadley?
This administrative space allows the warden to conceal illegal activity while depending entirely on inmate expertise.
What is the warden’s office / prison records office?
Andy realizes his innocence no longer matters once his work becomes essential to prison leadership.
What is Andy understanding the warden will never release him?
Andy’s demeanor changes dramatically after realizing the system is actively working against him.
What is Andy understanding the warden’s corruption and control?
Compared to the book, the movie more strongly frames this theme before Andy’s escape.
What is hope versus institutionalization?