The Curious Incident...: Plot Summary
The Curious Incident…: Plot Summary
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”: Plot Summary
Introduction
- Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with autism, discovers the dead body of Wellington, his neighbour’s dog, impaled on a garden fork.
- As a fan of detective stories, Christopher is inspired to investigate who killed the dog, despite his father, Ed Boone, forbidding him from doing so.
Investigation Begins
- Christopher begins to interview his neighbours and keeps a book about his investigation, which is actually the novel we read.
- He uncovers a letter which reveals an affair between his mother, Judy, and the neighbour who owned Wellington, Mr Shears.
Shocking Revelations
- Christopher confronts his father about the affair. In response, Ed reveals that Judy died two years ago, contrary to what Christopher was led to believe.
- More distressing, Ed confesses to being the one who killed Wellington during an episode of rage.
The Escape
- Fearing for his safety, Christopher decides to run away and find his mother, whom he now believes to be alive. He embarks on a chaotic journey to London that tests his coping abilities in unfamiliar environments.
Reunification
- Christopher eventually finds his mother and reveals his father’s violent act. Judy decides to bring him back to Swindon, an effort which causes a lot of strain in her relationship with Mr Shears.
- Struggling to cope with Christopher’s complex needs, Judy and Mr Shears split up.
Resolution
- Ed, guilt-stricken and missing Christopher, seeks his son’s forgiveness and attempts to regain his trust with a puppy.
- Christopher, now living with his mother and visiting his father regularly, feels a renewed sense of confidence. He succeeds in his A-level mathematics exam, and begins to believe he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.
Key themes to remember include truth and deception, the chaos of reality and family relationships.