Twelve Angry Men

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1954

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Twelve Angry Men

Genre: Fiction; Courtroom Drama; Legal Drama
Originally Published: 1954 (as a teleplay); 1955 (stage play)
Reading Level/Interest: Grades 9-12; College/Adult
Structure/Length: Divided into 2 acts; approximately 96 pages; approximately 1 hour 50 minutes of running time
Protagonist/Central Conflict: The drama focuses on 12 jurors who deliberate the guilt or acquittal of a defendant based on reasonable doubt. The central conflict arises as the jurors’ personal backgrounds, biases, and perceptions influence their interpretation of the evidence. The intense discussions and conflicts among them are particularly led by the 8th Juror, who advocates for careful consideration of the reasonable doubt regarding the defendant’s guilt.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of justice and prejudice; discussions of homicide; intense emotional and psychological stress

Reginald Rose, Author

Bio: Born 1920; died 2002; American writer; primarily known for his work in television in the 1950s; his experience on jury duty inspired him to write Twelve Angry Men, initially a teleplay before being adapted for the stage and film; explored themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human nature in his work
Other Works: Studio One (contributor, 1948-1958); Crime in the Streets (1956); The Miracle Worker (1957, television screenplay); The Defenders (TV series, 1961-1965)
Awards: Emmy Award for Twelve Angry Men (1954)