"The Minority Report" ~by Philip K. Dick

Plot
Throughout the story, the plot does not follow a specific and certain path. While it appears to be leading up to one turning point, it quickly changes and follows another. The exposition begins as characters are being introduced and Precrime is being explained. The story then leads the reader to believe that Witwer is after Anderton's job; therefore, Anderton is going to kill him in order to retain his position. However, as the story begins down what is thought to be the rising action toward the climax, a surprising revelation is made as Anderton discovers "Ed Witwer was not listed as his victim. On line five, the machine had neatly stamped another name. LEOPOLD KAPLAN" (page 126). This is only the beginning of the surprising series of turns in the plot that continue until the very end of the story. The various characters with false identities and intentions all carry the story down a twisted plot that ultimately leads up to the major climax at the end when Anderton discovers the truth of the minority reports and kills Kaplan. This winding plot creates suspense as the reader wonders what will really happen next. It also prevents the ending from being anticipated which makes the final ending a shocking revelation.

Point of View
This story is told from the third person point of view. An unknown narrator tells the story, but this narrator zooms in to focus on the thoughts and feelings of only one character. This story consists of a lot of dialogue between the characters. The narrator tells the story as the characters interact with one another. However, the story takes a main focus on Anderton. The story revolves around the work and actions of Anderton. It shows how other people and outside factors have an impact on his life. The story begins, "The first thought Anderton had when he saw the young man was: I'm getting bald. Bald and fat and old. But he didn't say it aloud. Instead, he pushed back his chair, got to his fee, and came resolutely around the side of his desk, his right hand rigidly extended. Smiling with forced amiability, he shook hand with the young man" (page 119). This point of view allows the story to take on a personal and sympathetic viewpoint of Anderton. It is not told directly from him because that would eliminate the effects achieved by having outside thoughts and feelings of others. The third person point of view allows for the story to show others' sides of the story instead of just the way Anderton sees it. However, focusing in on one specific character allows the reader to connect to that character as they experience the story instead of just hearing about it.

Characterization
For most of the characters, the writer reveals the personality of each character through indirect characterization. The author reveals what the character is like by describing their actions and feelings rather than stating what they are like directly. "Witwer was moving around the office as if he already owned it - as if he were measuring it for size. Couldn't he wait a couple days - a decent interval?" (page 119). During this introduction between Anderton and Witwer, their characteristics and personalities are not stated directly. However, the description reveals Witwer's over-confidence and Anderton's fear of being replaced. Although none of it is clearly written, their personalities can be inferred from their actions and interaction with the other characters. The personalities of all the characters are revealed as the story unfolds and the plot progresses.

Setting
This story is set in a futuristic and nonexistent world. The story takes place in the present; however, it contains pieces of the future that can be seen before they happen. Although the story is not real, it contains some realistic aspects. The real issues of crime, punishment, and free will are presented in the story like they exist in the world today, but many other parts of the story do not exist. The purpose is to display a potentially realistic problem and situation in a way that is nonexistent, futuristic, and fantasy-like. A major setting within the story is a place called Precrime. The Precrime system is "the prophylactic pre-detection of criminals through the ingenious use of mutant precogs, capable of previewing future events and transferring orally that data to analytical machinery" (page 133). This place is the origin and reason for the story. The plot takes place because of Precrime; without it there is no story. Therefore, the setting is a vital part of the story.

Theme
This story presents the theme in a way that seems unrealistic and nonexistent; however, the themes can actually be related to real life. One main theme of the story that is not directly stated but is implied throughout is free will. Precrime is able to detect criminals before they commit their crimes; therefore, it prevents crimes from ever occurring. However, when Anderton learns that he is going to kill a complete stranger in the future, he presents a never before experienced aspect to this pre-detection. By already knowing about his future, Anderton is given the opportunity to change it. He has the free will to either kill Kaplan or let him live. These options are shown in his unique case of having no majority report but instead of having three minority reports. "It can happen in only one circumstance. My case was unique, since I had access to the data. It could happen again - but only to the next Police Commissioner. So watch your step" (page 151). Since Anderton is the only criminal to know about his crime before he committed it, he was given the option to change his mind. This story displays how people have free will and can choose their future based on how they live their present. In addition, this story also shows how people must take responsibility for their actions. Throughout the story the idea of crime and punishment is repeated; criminals must be punished by being put in a "detention camp full of would-be criminals" (page 120). Anderton realizes he will have to take responsibility for his actions if he decides to kill Kaplan. He understands that he must receive the same punishment as the other criminals according to the system of Precrime. In the end, Anderton does decide to kill Kaplan out of free will and what he believes will be best for everyone. He makes his decision, takes action, and accepts his punishment of having to move to a different planet.