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- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time: the plot
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time: the plot
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Simon Stephens adapted Mark Haddon's 2003 novel into a play first staged at the National Theatre in 2012. It follows Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old maths genius from Swindon.
The investigation
Christopher finds his neighbour Mrs Shears's dog, Wellington, killed with a garden fork. He decides to investigate, like a detective.
He struggles with crowds, being touched and noise, and relies on routines and logic.
His teacher Siobhan reads aloud from the book he is writing about his investigation.
He struggles with crowds, being touched and noise, and relies on routines and logic.
His teacher Siobhan reads aloud from the book he is writing about his investigation.
The truth
Christopher discovers letters from his mother, Judy, whom his father Ed had told him was dead. She is alive and living in London with Mr Shears.
Ed admits he killed Wellington after an argument with Mrs Shears.
Christopher no longer trusts his father and decides to go to London.
Ed admits he killed Wellington after an argument with Mrs Shears.
Christopher no longer trusts his father and decides to go to London.
Journey and return
Christopher travels to London alone by train with his pet rat, Toby, overcoming terrifying challenges.
He stays with his mother, then returns to Swindon to sit his A-level Maths exam and does very well.
Ed slowly begins to rebuild trust, giving Christopher a puppy.
He stays with his mother, then returns to Swindon to sit his A-level Maths exam and does very well.
Ed slowly begins to rebuild trust, giving Christopher a puppy.
Why is Christopher's journey to London so important?
- Crowds, noise and new places overwhelm him.
- He has never travelled alone before.
- Completing the journey shows great courage and growing independence.
Answer: It shows his courage and independence in facing his greatest fears.
Wellington found dead, Christopher investigates, discovers his mother's letters, Ed's confession, the brave journey to London, the A-level Maths exam, and the beginning of rebuilding trust.
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