Mystery Project
Overview: The Mystery Project is a group assignment and has two parts: written and oral. After
doing a freewrite on what kind of mystery you’d enjoy, we will put the class into groups based on
your interests. Using what we’ve learned about ways of knowing, your job is to develop a mystery
whose protagonist(s) have special ways of knowing which help them solve the mystery. Before
actually writing the mystery, your group will turn in an overview that clearly outlines the mystery
and discusses the attributes of your protagonist(s) that enhance their ability to solve the mystery.
There will be at least two drafts of the mystery. If you want to start out with a script rather than
a story, feel free to do so---it will make it easier in the long run.
Next, your group will take the mystery and transform it into a radio drama, complete with sound
effects (we will be visiting the sound effects library to help you with this). The groups will
perform their mysteries in front of the entire plenary during the last two weeks of class. In
addition, there will be at least two rehearsals: one for another group and then one for us. Since
this is a “radio drama,” the performance will be auditory, not visual.
Your group will consist of 4 people. You will create a crime/puzzle and the protagonist(s) who will
solve the crime.
1st:
Each person will do a freewrite in seminar on what kind of mystery they’d like to do.
(9/28 Bos, 9/30 Jahncke).
This freewrite should address types of mysteries you may want to look at. We’ll put you ingroups, attempting to put individuals of similar interests together. If you have a group you want
to work with, you should each do your free write on the same or similar topics.
2nd:
Each group will write a summary or outline of their mystery, due in plenary on
10/21/99.
The group should begin by focusing on the following three things:
1. What are the details of the crime/puzzle?
2. What clues are you going to give the protagonist(s)?
3. What special attributes does the protagonist(s) have that allows her/him to solve the
crime/puzzle given these clues?
The group needs to reflect on several aspects of the mystery, including, perhaps, method of
death (if it is a murder mystery), time period, place, and culture. Also, you should think about
the elements of fiction--setting, character, plot, etc., then raise questions related to each. "Place"
makes sense when I'm thinking about setting, so does culture, and method of crime makes sense
if I'm thinking about plot. You need to be aware of the elements of the story as you begin to
write.
The summary should be 1-2 pages, typed
3rd:
Each group will write a mystery. Draft 1 due 11/2/99. Draft 2 due 11/16/99.
The group will put together a mystery using the summary and the topical research done by each
team member. The solution to the mystery should flow from the evidence presented in the
framework of the story. Keep in mind that your protagonist(s) has unique ways of knowing and
of developing premises. Individual topical research should be employed. Character, plot, and
setting should be well developed.
Both drafts will be typed. Draft 1 will be marked with our comments and available for pick-up by
Friday, 11/5/99 5 pm.
4th:
Each group will transform their mystery into a radio drama. Dress rehearsal
11/16/99 and 11/18/99. Performances starting 12/2/99.
The mystery will be transformed into a radio play, if you haven’t done so already (remember, it is
much easier to start with a play script than to convert from prose). We will be looking for a
faithful adaptation of your mystery with believable dialogue and creative sound effects. It should
last approximately 15-20 minutes.
You will have a dress rehearsal on 11/16/99 or 11/18/99 for us to critique. Before this dress
rehearsal, your group will have rehearsed this drama 2-3 times. For each of these rehearsals,
your group should write up a critique of the rehearsal that includes the date and time that the
rehearsal was held. For one of these pre-dress rehearsals, pair up with another group and also
write up a critique of the other group’s performance. When you give your performance, we will
expect a clean copy of the script you used, your group’s critique of another group’s rehearsal, and
all the critiques your group has done for your own rehearsals.
Overall Grading Criteria
FULFILLED ASSIGNMENT: PROTAGONIST HAS CLEAR WAYS OF KNOWING? CLEAR CLUES
LEADING TO SOLUTION? PLOT MAKES SENSE?
CHARACTERS: BELIEVABLE DIALOGUE? DEVELOPED? DIALECT?
DELIVERY: VOLUME? ARTICULATION? ENERGY? ON CUE?
SOUNDS: CREATIVE? REALISTIC? EFFECTIVE? ON CUE?
OVERALL ENJOYMENT?
STRENGTHS IN THE PERFORMANCE?
WEAKNESSES IN THE PERFORMANCE?