Inherit the Wind

Characters:

1. Bertrand Cates - main character, science teacher, 24 years old, defendant
2. M. H. Brady - prosecutor, christian fundamentalist, politian, "hero"
3. H. Drummond - defense attorney, opposite of Brady, free thinker, city guy
4. E. K. Hornbeck - journalist, cynical, dislikes Brady, city guy
5. Rev. J. Brown - Pastor/preacher preaches "fire and brimstone"
6. Rachel Brown - daughter, lover of Cates, conflict
7. Judge - impartial, favortism towards Brady, open to free thought
8. Townspeople - reserved, conservative, fundamentalist, evolution-good values

Questions

1. How does Howard and Melinda’s interaction at the beginning of the play foreshadow the major issues of the play?

2. What does Meeker, the bailiff’s, willingness to let Cates out of jail to meet with Rachel tell us both about his offence and the town?

Cates is not threat and the whole atmosphere is easygoing.

3. What kind of town does Hillsboro seem to be in its preparations for Brady’s arrival?

Hillsboro is a very religious and conservative town.

4. What does Brady’s relationship with his wife tell us about his character?

Brady seems very insecure.

5. What does Brady’s conversation with Rachel, and subsequent behaviour afterwards tell us about his character?

He seemed manipulative and sly.

6. How is Drummond characterized by the townspeople? Later when we meet him do they seem to be correct?

They say Drummond is a heathen and unethical. At first sight it seems, but later we are proven wrong.

7. What role does Hornbeck play in the action of the play? What is the significance of the way he speaks?

Hornbeck is a troublemaker, cynical, a non-believer who supports Drummond, self-centered, close-minded, condescending.

8. Do the elements of the trial seem fair to you? Why or why not?

The Judge also names him Colonel; however, the Judge disregards all his witnesses.

9. What do you think Rachel’s motivations for asking Cates to drop the trial and admit his guilt stem from?

Rachel wanted Cates to have good or at least not a bad reputation in the town. She knew he wouldn't win, so she asked him to drop the trial and admit his guilt.

10. What does Brady’s intervention in Reverend Brown’s sermon say about him? Does this contradict what you thought about him as a character?

11. What is the central issue that Drummond is arguing for in the courtroom?

Drummond tries to convince the jury that what Darwin wrote is true.

12. Do you think it is fair that none of Drummond’s expert witnesses are allowed to act as witnesses?

No, because they would have had good, credible arguments.