Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Barbara's normal life is shattered by her son's death in a fraternity hazing incident.

Son's Death — Jimmy dies in tragic hazing incident Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Jimmy O'Brien, Jim O'Brien Location: University Campus
Grief & Doubt — Barbara refuses official explanation Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Jim O'Brien Location: Family Home

Barbara refuses to accept the official story and decides to seek justice for her son.

Grief & Doubt — Barbara refuses official explanation Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Jim O'Brien Location: Family Home
Investigation Begins — Barbara decides to seek justice Characters: Barbara O'Brien Location: Family Home
Cross-Country Journey — Barbara begins documenting other mothers' stories Characters: Barbara O'Brien Location: Highway

Barbara travels across the country, interviewing other mothers who have lost sons to similar hazing incidents.

Cross-Country Journey — Barbara begins documenting other mothers' stories Characters: Barbara O'Brien Location: Highway
Interview with Lucia — Barbara interviews another grieving mother Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Lucia Location: Lucia's Home
Interview with Joan — Barbara interviews another grieving mother Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Joan Location: Joan's Home
Pattern Discovered — Barbara uncovers negligence pattern Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Vergil Location: Library

Barbara discovers a pattern of negligence and cover-up at the university, identifying those responsible.

Case Building — Barbara compiles evidence against university Characters: Barbara O'Brien Location: Hotel Room
Identifies Steven — Barbara confronts Steven Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Steven Croission Location: University Campus

Barbara transforms from a seeker of justice to an avenger, confronting those responsible for her son's death.

Confronts Donohue — Barbara confronts university administrators Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Mr. Donohue, Mrs. Donohue Location: University Administration
Final Confrontation — Barbara's final stand for justice Characters: Barbara O'Brien, Steven Croission, Mr. Donohue Location: University Auditorium

Story Breakdown

Incident — Jimmy's death in fraternity hazing
- Official Story — University claims it was an accident
- Barbara's Doubt — Refuses to accept the explanation
Investigation — Barbara's cross-country journey for truth
- Interviews — Other mothers who lost sons
- Evidence — Recordings of interviews
- Discovery — Pattern of negligence and cover-up
Confrontation — Barbara's final stand against the university
- Target — Steven Croission and university administration
- Transformation — From seeker of justice to avenger
- Resolution — Hell hath no fury like a mother scorned