Westing game who is the murderer – In Ellen Raskin’s captivating novel, The Westing Game, a diverse group of individuals is drawn into a peculiar inheritance game, unaware that a deadly secret lurks beneath the surface. As the game progresses, suspicion and deceit escalate, leading to the ultimate question: who is the murderer?
The narrative unfolds through a complex web of characters, each harboring their own motives and secrets. Clues are scattered throughout the game, challenging readers to decipher the truth and uncover the identity of the killer.
Characters and Suspects
Characters:
- Sam Westing, the wealthy eccentric who devises the game
- Sydelle Pulaski, the attorney who executes Westing’s will
- Chris Theodorakis, a young man with a troubled past
- Angela Wexler, a wealthy widow
- James Hoo, a Chinese immigrant
- Dr. Denton Deere, a psychiatrist
- Flora Baumbach, a nosy neighbor
- Grace Wexler, Angela’s daughter
- Theo Theodorakis, Chris’s father
- Otis Amber, a doorman
- Madge Undersee, a beautician
- Barney Northrup, a judge
- Julian Eastman, a realtor
- Sophie Silver, a dressmaker
Relationships and Motives:
- Sam Westing and Sydelle Pulaski: Westing hires Pulaski to execute his will and oversee the game, suggesting he trusts her. Pulaski may have a motive to protect her reputation or Westing’s legacy.
- Chris Theodorakis and Angela Wexler: Chris is infatuated with Angela, who is significantly older. Angela may have a motive to keep Chris away from her daughter, Grace.
- James Hoo and Flora Baumbach: Hoo and Baumbach have a history of conflict over the use of Hoo’s garage. Baumbach may have a motive to get revenge.
- Grace Wexler and Theo Theodorakis: Grace is initially suspicious of Theo but later falls in love with him. Theo may have a motive to protect Grace from his father’s criminal past.
- Otis Amber and Madge Undersee: Amber and Undersee are romantically involved. Undersee may have a motive to protect Amber if he is involved in the murder.
- Barney Northrup and Julian Eastman: Northrup and Eastman are friends and business associates. Northrup may have a motive to protect Eastman if he is involved in the murder.
Red Herrings and Misleading Clues:
- Sam Westing’s will: The will is full of puzzles and riddles that lead to false clues and suspects.
- Flora Baumbach’s nosiness: Baumbach’s constant spying and gossip creates confusion and suspicion among the other characters.
- Theo Theodorakis’s criminal past: Theo’s past as a counterfeiter makes him a suspect, but it is later revealed that he was framed.
Top FAQs: Westing Game Who Is The Murderer
Who is the murderer in The Westing Game?
The murderer is revealed to be Sam Westing, the eccentric millionaire who devised the inheritance game.
What are the clues that lead to the discovery of the murderer?
Clues include the contents of the will, the behavior of the characters, and the hidden messages embedded in the game.
Why did Sam Westing create the inheritance game?
Westing created the game to test the characters and determine who was worthy of his inheritance. He also wanted to expose the secrets and lies that had plagued his family.
