Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Antonio has been living in Portugal for ten years with his French wife. As their marriage changes, his attention begins to wander.

Antonio Returns to Portugal — Antonio returned to Portugal ten years ago with his French wife. Characters: Antonio Location: Portugal
A Changing Marriage — His wife has changed physically, while Antonio's attention has begun to wander. Characters: Antonio Location: Portugal

Antonio's wife catches him with their neighbor and reacts by bonking him on the head. The confrontation brings the marital tension into the open.

Caught with the Neighbor — Antonio's wife catches him with their neighbor. Characters: Antonio Location: Unspecified location in Portugal
The Blow to Antonio — His strong-tempered wife bonks him on the head after catching him. Characters: Antonio Location: Unspecified location in Portugal

To avoid further embarrassment, Antonio pretends that the blow has left him with amnesia. His performance is convincing enough to worry his wife.

A Feigned Amnesia — Antonio pretends that the blow caused amnesia to avoid further embarrassment. Characters: Antonio Location: Unspecified location in Portugal

Concerned about Antonio, his wife calls his old Parisian buddies. She asks the rest of the Charlots to come and help restore his memory.

His Wife Seeks Help — Worried by his convincing act, his wife contacts his old Parisian buddies. Characters: Antonio Location: Portugal
The Charlots Are Summoned — The rest of the Charlots are asked to come and help revive Antonio's memory. Characters: Antonio Location: Portugal

Story Breakdown

Life in Portugal — Antonio has lived in Portugal for a decade with his French wife.
- A Decade Away — Antonio returned to Portugal ten years ago.
- French Wife — He returned with his French wife.
Changing Marriage — The account describes changes in the marriage and Antonio's wandering attention.
- Changed Appearance — His wife has become considerably heavier over the years.
- Wandering Attention — Antonio's eye has lately been wandering to others.
Neighbor Encounter — Antonio's wife catches him with their neighbor, triggering a physical reaction.
- Caught Together — His wife catches Antonio with the neighbor.
- Head Blow — His strong-tempered wife bonks him on the head.
Amnesia Pretence — Antonio pretends the blow has caused amnesia to avoid further embarrassment.
- Avoiding Embarrassment — The pretence is an attempt to escape further embarrassment.
- Convincing Act — Antonio performs the amnesia act well enough to worry his wife.
Wife Seeks Help — Worried by Antonio's apparent memory loss, his wife reaches out to his former companions.
- Concerned Wife — She is worried about Antonio's convincing pretence.
- Parisian Call — She calls his old Parisian buddies.
Charlots Return — The rest of the Charlots are asked to help revive Antonio's memory.
- Friends Summoned — Antonio's old buddies are asked to come to Portugal.
- Memory Restored — The stated purpose of their visit is to help revive his memory.