Summary of “If I Were You” by Douglas James

“If I Were You” by Douglas James is a gripping play that intertwines mystery, suspense, and humor. The story revolves around Gerrard, a playwright living in a secluded cottage, and an intruder who plans to kill him to assume his identity and evade the police.

The play opens with Gerrard preparing to leave his cottage for a rehearsal. Known for his reclusive and mysterious nature, Gerrard conducts much of his business over the phone and rarely meets people in person. As he packs, an intruder sneaks into his home, brandishing a revolver. Despite the threat, Gerrard remains remarkably calm and even engages the intruder in conversation.

The intruder reveals his sinister plan: he intends to kill Gerrard and take on his identity to escape the law. The intruder has learned a few details about Gerrard’s solitary lifestyle and believes it will be easy to impersonate him. Gerrard, using his wit and presence of mind, begins to craft a story to deceive the intruder. He pretends to be a criminal on the run, claiming that he is also wanted by the police for a murder.

Gerrard explains to the intruder that he is expecting trouble that night and suggests they escape together. He convinces the intruder that if they are caught, the intruder can still kill him to maintain his cover. Gerrard’s calm demeanor and convincing story make the intruder believe him. Gerrard then leads the intruder to a door, supposedly leading to the garage for their escape. However, it is actually a cupboard.

As the intruder steps forward, Gerrard seizes the opportunity and pushes him into the cupboard, locking the door behind him. With the intruder trapped, Gerrard quickly retrieves the revolver and calls the police to report the situation. He keeps the gun pointed at the cupboard to ensure the intruder doesn’t escape until the authorities arrive.

The play concludes with Gerrard successfully outsmarting the intruder, showcasing his quick thinking and intelligence. His ability to remain composed under pressure and craft a believable story demonstrates the importance of wit and presence of mind in overcoming dangerous situations. The intruder, on the other hand, is caught due to his overconfidence and underestimation of Gerrard.

In summary, “If I Were You” is a story that highlights the triumph of intelligence and composure over brute force and criminal intentions. Gerrard’s cleverness not only saves his life but also brings a criminal to justice, making for an engaging and thought-provoking play.Characters in “If I Were You” by Douglas James

Gerrard: Gerrard is the protagonist of the play, depicted as a clever and calm playwright who lives in a secluded cottage. He is known for his mysterious lifestyle, often conducting his business over the phone and avoiding face-to-face interactions. Gerrard is not easily rattled, even when faced with life-threatening situations. His quick wit and presence of mind enable him to devise a plan to outsmart the intruder. Gerrard’s intelligence and resourcefulness are central to the plot, allowing him to turn the tables on the intruder and ensure his own safety.

Intruder: The intruder is the antagonist of the play, a criminal who breaks into Gerrard’s cottage with the intention of killing him and assuming his identity. He is described as a villainous scoundrel, desperate to escape the law after committing murder. The intruder is overconfident and believes he has devised a foolproof plan to evade capture. However, he underestimates Gerrard’s cunning and is ultimately outsmarted. Despite his initial bravado, the intruder’s lack of foresight and inability to see through Gerrard’s deception lead to his downfall.

These two characters drive the narrative, creating a tense and engaging interplay of wits that underscores the importance of intelligence and composure in overcoming adversity.

Analysis of “If I Were You” by Douglas James

“If I Were You” is a gripping play that blends suspense, humor, and surprise to tell the story of a life-threatening encounter between a playwright, Gerrard, and an intruder. The narrative revolves around how Gerrard uses his wit and quick thinking to outsmart the intruder who plans to kill him and take over his identity.

Plot and Structure: The play is set in Gerrard’s secluded cottage, creating an atmosphere of isolation and vulnerability. This setting is crucial as it enhances the suspense when the intruder arrives. The story unfolds in real-time, maintaining a continuous build-up of tension. The interaction between Gerrard and the intruder is the focal point, with the plot hinging on their verbal sparring and Gerrard’s strategic manipulation of the situation.

Themes:

Presence of Mind: The central theme of the play is the importance of presence of mind. Gerrard’s calm demeanor and quick wit are highlighted as essential traits that help him navigate and ultimately control a dangerous situation. His ability to stay composed and think strategically is contrasted sharply with the intruder’s rash and overconfident approach.

Identity and Deception: Another significant theme is the fluidity of identity and the use of deception. The intruder’s plan to assume Gerrard’s identity reflects his desperation to escape his criminal past. Gerrard, on the other hand, uses deception to protect himself, fabricating a story about his own criminal background to mislead the intruder.

Good vs. Evil: The play also touches on the classic theme of good versus evil. Gerrard, representing the clever and resourceful good, confronts the intruder, embodying desperate and misguided evil. The resolution of the play underscores the triumph of intelligence and moral integrity over brute force and criminal intent.

Characterization:

Gerrard: He is portrayed as an intelligent and resourceful individual who remains unfazed in the face of danger. His ability to devise a quick plan and manipulate the intruder demonstrates his sharp mind and adaptability.

Intruder: The intruder is depicted as a desperate and overconfident criminal. His failure to anticipate Gerrard’s cunning and his eventual entrapment highlight his lack of foresight and the pitfalls of underestimating one’s opponent.

Language and Tone: The dialogue in the play is crisp and engaging, with Gerrard’s witty remarks adding a layer of humor to the tense situation. The tone shifts from suspenseful to humorous, keeping the audience engaged and providing relief amidst the tension.

Conclusion: “If I Were You” is a well-crafted play that showcases Douglas James’ ability to weave suspense and humor into a narrative about intelligence and survival. The play underscores the power of a calm and quick mind in overcoming even the most daunting challenges, offering a thrilling yet thought-provoking experience for the audience.