The Ransom of Red Chief Study Guide

Who are the main characters in the story?

Sam a.k.a. snake Eye, Bill a.k.a. old Hank, Johnny a.k.a Red Chief

Who is the antagonist in the story?

Johnny a.k.a. red chief

Who are the protagonists in the story?

Bill and Sam

What is the theme of the story?

Plan carefully and be willing to accept the consequences for your actions

What point of view is the story?

First person

Who is the narrator of the story?

Sam

Why did Bill and Sam want to kidnap the boy?

They wanted two thousand dollars in ransom money for another scheme in Illinois

What is the setting of the story?

In a Cave outside of summit in Alabama

Site examples from the text that foreshadow that the boy will be an impudent hostage.

1. He throws rocks at a kitten
2. He throws a brick at bills Eye

Why didn't Johnny a.k.a. red chief want to return home?

Johnny is having more fun with Bill and Sam and does not want to go to school

What was the conflict of the story?

Man vrs. Man. Ebenezer refuses to pay the ransom for Johnny. Instead Bill and Sam have to pay to get rid of Johnny.

What is ironic about summit?

Summit was described as flat as a flannel Coke but the name summit means highest point

What did Ebenezer Dorsett work as?

A Banker

What was the ironic twist to the story?

The kidnappers had to pay the dad $250 to get rid of Red Chief

Why did Bill and Sam choose to kidnap this particular boy?

Because he looked undeletarious and like a boy on a magazine and his family was rich

Where did they hide the boy after kidnapping him?

In a cave about 3 miles out of summit

How does Ebenezer Dorsett surprise Bill and Sam

He asked them to pay him $250

What were some of the abuses that red chief heaps upon Bill Driscoll?

1. hit him with a brick near his eye
2.kicked him in the shin
3.dropped a hot potato down his back and mashed it