Twelve Angry Men
1.
Study Guide—ACT III
Name___________________________
At the beginning of Act Three, the jurors vote for the third time. What is the result of their vote?
_______ (number of jurors) voted guilty while _______ (number of jurors) voted not guilty.
2. On page 249, Juror #5 provides some important information about the knife wound. What does he explain
to the rest of the jury about the position of the switch-knife and the murder victim’s knife wound?
3. If the above information discussed by Juror #5 is true, what might that information mean about the
defendant?
4. Do you think Juror #5 is qualified to speak as an expert on knife wounds? ____________
Why or why not? Explain your opinion.
5. On page 249, Juror #7 changes his vote to “not guilty.” Why do you think he changes his vote?
6. What is your opinion of Juror #7? Explain and support your opinion below, using details and examples from
the play.
7. On page 250, the jurors vote for the fourth time. What is the result of this vote?
_______ (number of jurors) voted guilty while _______ (number of jurors) voted not guilty.
8. Notice the following words of Juror #10 on pages 251-252 when he discusses people who live in poverty:
“Look, these people are drinking and fighting all the time, and if somebody gets killed, so somebody gets
killed. They don’t care… I’ve known a few who were pretty decent, but that’s the exception… They’re no
good.”
Why do you think the playwright instructs various jurors to go to the window and turn their backs to Juror
#10 as he continues speaking?
9. Considering the above words of Juror #10, what is dangerous about using generalities like “they” and “these
people” when referring to an entire group of people?
10. What significant observation about a female witness does Juror #6 make on page 253?
11. If the above connection made by Juror #6 is true, what might that information mean about the female
witness’s testimony?
12. As the play draws to a close, Juror #3 stands alone in believing the boy is guilty. Why do you think Juror
#3 finally changes his vote? Explain your answer.
13. Once again, imagine again that you are “Juror #13.” Based on the jury’s discussions and the evidence
presented in this play, do you think the defendant is guilty or not guilty? Explain your position, discussing
at least two or more specific reasons to support your opinion.
14. Has your opinion of the defendant’s guilt or innocence changed at all from what you thought at the beginning
of the play? Explain.
Reread the definitions of protagonist and antagonist from our vocabulary sheet.
15. Which juror is the primary protagonist in this play? ___________________
16. Which juror is the primary antagonist in this play? ___________________
17. Remember that an antagonist does not always have to be a person. Describe below at least two other
factors or conditions in the play that might also qualify as antagonists: (Hint: Reexamine your answers on
page one of the study guide for Act One.)
1.
_______________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________
18. Based on this play and on any personal experiences you may have had with the legal system, do you think the
trial-by-jury system is the best method for a fair trial? Why or why not? Explain your opinion fully.