Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
John Wilkes Booth assassinates President Abraham Lincoln during a performance at Ford's Theatre, shooting him in the back of the head while the audience is engrossed in the play.
Setting
Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C., during a performance of 'Our American Cousin'. The presidential box is draped with American flags and features a rocking chair for Lincoln. The theatre is packed with attendees, many in formal attire.
Characters
Abraham Lincoln
primary
A tall, gaunt man with deep-set eyes and a prominent jawline, standing at 6 feet 4 inches. His weathered face bears the marks of stress from years of war, with deep wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and he sports his signature beard, neatly trimmed.
Mary Todd Lincoln
primary
A petite woman in her mid-40s with a rounded face, dark brown hair parted in the center and gathered into a bun at the nape of her neck. Her features are delicate but slightly worn from stress, with expressive dark eyes that frequently dart about.
John Wilkes Booth
secondary
A 26-year-old man of average height with a lean, athletic build. He has dark, wavy hair, a well-groomed mustache, and piercing dark eyes. His complexion is pale, and his features are sharp, giving him a theatrical presence.
Major Henry Rathbone
secondary
A well-built man in his early 30s with a clean-shaven face, short brown hair combed neatly to the side, and a military bearing that marks him as a career officer. His posture is upright and alert, with sharp blue eyes that frequently scan the surroundings out of habit.
Clara Harris
secondary
A young woman in her early 20s, with a slender build and delicate features. Her light brown hair is styled in soft ringlets, framing a pale face with expressive blue eyes. She carries herself with the poised grace expected of a woman of her social standing.
Dialog
Abraham Lincoln
I reckon this play offers a welcome diversion, Mary. The laughter of our countrymen is a balm after these long years of strife.
Mary Todd Lincoln
Mr. Lincoln, do you suppose the playwright intended this Lord Dundreary as satire upon English nobility? The affectation is most diverting.
Abraham Lincoln
Why, I suspect you've struck upon it, my dear. Much as our own Mr. Forrest might lampoon pretension—though perhaps with less... theatrical flourish.
Mary Todd Lincoln
My husband, you're too modest by half—your courtroom anecdotes contained sharper barbs than anything we see tonight.