THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by MARK HADDON
N O T E S
Section 1 - Content
Q1) Who are the main protagonists of the story?
Christopher Boone
Christopher’s Dad
Q2) What seems to be the main conflict driving the story (plot) at this point?
> Conflict between Christopher and his Dad
His dad is against Christopher investigating who killed their neighbour’s dog, Wellington. Christopher is by nature more independent with his thoughts and has a lack of understanding for what his father is experiencing as a parent. Therefore, the argument in which his dad strongly disapproves Christopher’s investigation has minimal impact on him and continues on with determination secretly. After his son was almost arrested, he takes more precautions and builds greater worry for his unique personality. He also shows frustration with his persistent intentions and eventually leads himself to have a series of emotional breakdowns ( hitting the steering wheel in anger, silent sobbing).
Q3) Where is your novel set?
The story is set in what appears to be a small, middle-class neighbourhood in Swindon, England in a modern or present-day timeframe. The area is relatively developed with easy access to hospitals, police stations and specialised schools. Aside this, the citizens seem to have close relations and safe, having the presence of numerous crimes or violent acts serve as a shock and allowing Christopher to memorise most of the people living in his complex or their appearances. Furthermore, he feels welcomed and open to going to his neighbour’s garden freely where he finds a killed dog. Thus, his concerns for the dog are built and he ends up almost being arrested with the modern advancements. Then, his dad arrives to pick him up and sparks the issue between his son, constructing an eagerness to find the murder.
Q1) Who are the main protagonists of the story?
Christopher Boone
- Approaches situations very logically
- Often provides specific details of past encounters or observations he was involved in
- Honest and direct with opinions
- Strange, mature mindset for teenager
- Dismissive of other’s feelings
- Causes drama and is expressive when experiencing extreme discontent
Christopher’s Dad
- Sympathetic towards son and acknowledges disability
- Worrisome
- Finds struggle with handling Christopher’s behaviour
- Protective as he wants to prevent son from endangering himself or finding trouble
- Stressed and guilt from having short temper/impatient
Q2) What seems to be the main conflict driving the story (plot) at this point?
> Conflict between Christopher and his Dad
His dad is against Christopher investigating who killed their neighbour’s dog, Wellington. Christopher is by nature more independent with his thoughts and has a lack of understanding for what his father is experiencing as a parent. Therefore, the argument in which his dad strongly disapproves Christopher’s investigation has minimal impact on him and continues on with determination secretly. After his son was almost arrested, he takes more precautions and builds greater worry for his unique personality. He also shows frustration with his persistent intentions and eventually leads himself to have a series of emotional breakdowns ( hitting the steering wheel in anger, silent sobbing).
Q3) Where is your novel set?
The story is set in what appears to be a small, middle-class neighbourhood in Swindon, England in a modern or present-day timeframe. The area is relatively developed with easy access to hospitals, police stations and specialised schools. Aside this, the citizens seem to have close relations and safe, having the presence of numerous crimes or violent acts serve as a shock and allowing Christopher to memorise most of the people living in his complex or their appearances. Furthermore, he feels welcomed and open to going to his neighbour’s garden freely where he finds a killed dog. Thus, his concerns for the dog are built and he ends up almost being arrested with the modern advancements. Then, his dad arrives to pick him up and sparks the issue between his son, constructing an eagerness to find the murder.
Section 2 - Techniques
Section 3 - Ideas
Section 4 - Impression on the Reader