What is the plot structure of The Open Window?

- The setting of
the story is the Sappleton residence. The characters are Framton Nuttel, a nervous young man
seeking a rest cure in the country; Vera, a mischievous fifteen year old with a vivid
imagination and a gift for telling stories; and Mrs. Sappleton, the lady of the house to whom
Framton has been given an introduction by his sister.

Rising
Action- These are the events leading up to the most important point in the story.
In this case, Framton has been provided by his sister with an introduction to the Sappletons
during his stay in the country. As Framton's rather shy, his sister wants him to get out and
meet new people.

Conflict- Vera takes advantage
of Framton's evident nervousness and ignorance about the Sappleton family to play a cruel prank
on him.

- Vera tells Framton a horror story in
which her aunt's husband, her two young brothers and a spaniel never returned from their day's
hunting. They got trapped in a bog on the moor, and their bodies were never found. Mrs.
Sappleton keeps the French window open because she expects them to come back at any
moment.

Falling Action- Framton turns round and
sees the men and their dog approaching the French window. He is absolutely terrified. He quickly
grabs his hat and coat and takes off at once.

Resolution- Poor old Framton thought he saw ghosts, but
they weren't really. Vera has simply spun him an elaborate tale.