Whodunnit (play)

A "whodunnit" (sometimes stylized as "whodunit") is a genre of detective fiction, generally a play, novel, film, or television show, in which the audience is given the opportunity to deduce the identity of the perpetrator of a crime, typically a murder. The narrative usually presents a complex web of suspects, each with a plausible motive and the opportunity to commit the crime. Red herrings and misleading clues are often included to challenge the audience's deduction skills.

Key characteristics of a whodunnit include:

• A central crime: Typically a murder, but can also involve theft, kidnapping, or other significant offenses.
• A limited circle of suspects: The story focuses on a defined group of individuals who had the opportunity and potential motive to commit the crime.
• A detective or investigator: A central character, professional or amateur, who investigates the crime and uncovers clues. This character may also be the narrator.
• Clues and red herrings: The story contains a series of clues, some genuine and some intentionally misleading (red herrings), that the reader or viewer can use to attempt to solve the mystery.
• Fair play: A common convention is that the audience is provided with all the necessary information to solve the crime, and the detective does not rely on information hidden from the audience. This principle of “fair play” encourages the audience to actively participate in the deduction process.
• A satisfying resolution: The solution to the crime is revealed in a clear and logical manner, typically at the end of the story. The detective explains how they arrived at their conclusion, outlining the evidence and reasoning that led to the identification of the perpetrator.

Notable examples of whodunnits in play form include Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, which is famous for being the longest-running play in history.