Assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre
John Wilkes Booth sneaks into the Presidential Box at Ford's Theatre and fatally shoots Abraham Lincoln during a performance of 'Our American Cousin'. The audience is unaware of the assassination unti
Setting
Ford's Theatre, Washington D.C., during a performance of 'Our American Cousin'. The scene is set in the Presidential Box, overlooking the stage and audience below.
Characters
Abraham Lincoln
primary
A tall, gaunt man with deep-set gray eyes, a prominent nose, and a weathered face marked by the strains of war and leadership. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and he sports his signature chin beard. His hands are large and rough from manual labor in his youth.
Mary Todd Lincoln
primary
A woman in her mid-40s with a rounded face, fair complexion, and dark brown hair styled in fashionable ringlets. Her hazel eyes are expressive, reflecting both intelligence and emotional sensitivity. She carries herself with the dignified posture of a First Lady, though her frame appears slightly frail from years of personal tragedies.
John Wilkes Booth
secondary
A lean, dark-haired man in his mid-twenties with sharp features and piercing eyes. His face is clean-shaven, and his dark hair is slicked back. He moves with the grace of an actor, his posture erect and deliberate.
Major Henry Rathbone
secondary
A Union officer in his early 30s, with a lean but sturdy build. He has sharp, attentive eyes and a clean-shaven face, typical of military men of the era. His dark hair is neatly combed, and his posture reflects his disciplined background.
Clara Harris
background
A young woman in her early 20s with a slender build, fair complexion, and dark brown hair styled in a modest updo typical of the period. Her delicate features are framed by soft curls at her temples, and her wide-set eyes reflect a mix of genteel refinement and growing alarm.
Dialog
Abraham Lincoln
That Mr. Trenchard is quite the rascal, isn't he? Reminds me of a circuit court judge back in Illinois who...
Mary Todd Lincoln
Mon cher, do attend the performance - this scene is particularly diverting. How rare to see you laugh so freely these days.
Major Henry Rathbone
Sir, I believe I heard movement at the box door. Shall I investigate?
Abraham Lincoln
No need, Major. Likely just the watchman making his rounds. Even presidents must have moments of levity, as Solomon...
Mary Todd Lincoln
The air feels suddenly close - as though the very walls press upon us. Do you not sense it?
Major Henry Rathbone
Mr. President! Behind you!