Curious Incident Notes on 5 Scenes

Character: the mental qualities distinctive to an individual

Plot: the main events of a play presented in a sequence

Theme: the subject of a play; a topic

Staging: the organizing of characters and props during scenes of a play

Christopher and the Policeman (p. 4-6)

Character: Policeman does not understand that Christopher has autism, he thinks Christopher is just being disrespectful. Christopher does not like that he was touched by the police officer and therefore acted out. He is not a bad kid, he just did not understand that the police was trying to get him to corporate

Plot: The policeman arrives the night of the crime asking Christopher many questions about what had happened. Christopher is autistic which the Police officer does not understand and is very overwhelmed over the whole situation. The police officer believes he is just being rude when he does not stop groaning and grabs him to which Christopher punches back.

Theme: Lack of understanding and overwhelming situation for Christopher

Staging: Mrs Shears is on one side of the dog and Christopher is on the other side. The policeman bends down next to Christopher. Siobhan is off to the side not in the actual scene.

Christopher, Siobhan, and Ed (p. 12-15)

Character: In the beginning of the scene Christopher is shown to be very concerned about his mother being in the hospital. Ed is not allowing Christopher to see his mother for reasons not yet revealed. Siobhan is supportive and understanding of Christopher, while still trying to lead him on a path that won't get him in trouble.

Plot: Ed reveals to his son Christopher that his mother is in the hospital. Christopher understandably is very concerned and curious why he can not go to see her. Christopher then tells Siobhan that he wants to find out who killed Wellington. Ed then informs Christopher that his mother has died.

Theme: Concernment, Curiosity, Death

Staging: Siobhan is off to the side or in her own spotlight until Christopher arrives at school. This is because although she is narrating, she is not actually present in that scene. Christopher's dad is said to have been going downstairs to which on stage he should exit off the side. At school it would make sense if Christopher was in a seat and Siobhan was standing to show authority in the classroom.

Christopher and Mrs. Alexander (p. 18-20)

Character: Mrs Alexander is very kind and patient with Christopher, most likely understanding he has autism. She seems to have a good way of communicating with him. Christopher shows some common signs of autism in this scene. This includes, liking and disliking specific things because of the color, knowing his exact age and not going into Mrs. Alexander's house

Plot: Christopher arrives at Mrs. Alexander's house trying to find out who killed Wellington. He at first asked her some questions about his investigation but then she asks him some things about himself. She talks to him about things such as his pet rat and seeing him on the bus on the way to school. She offers some tea and food but has to work hard to find foods he will eat.

Theme: Investigation, Neighbors, Understanding, Kindness

Staging: Christopher is at Mrs. Alexander’s house. She is inside with the front door open and Christopher is taking to her from outside the house.

Judy's Letter (p. 42-44)

Character: Judy - Impatient, Struggles to understand Christopher’s autism, hated herself, lonely, Selfless

Plot: Judy writing a letter to Christopher informing him why she moved away explaining she felt she was not a very good mother and he would be better off without her

Theme: If you love somebody set them free

Staging: Christopher reading in Dad’s bedroom. Mother writing from sofa

Christopher, Roger, and Judy (p. 85-87)

Character: Roger- Mean to a teen boy with autism/ shows his colors, Judy- Does not understand that Christopher will not be able to handle having to take his test the following year, Christopher- Can’t handle that mom will not let him go home to take his A level

Plot: Everyone wants different things. Judy wants the best for Christopher, Christopher wants to go home to take his A level and Roger wants Christopher gone!

Theme: Family issues

Staging: Everyone sitting around a table having a discussion