Charlie's Psychological Breakdown

The gradual unraveling of Charlie Decker's sanity leading to the hostage crisis.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Early Signs of Instability

The Beginning of the End The Squirrel and the Lawn Charlie recalls the morning of the crisis, noting that he had kept his breakfast down and spotted a squirrel. He reflects that two years ago he started to lose his mind. The lawn of Placerville High School is described as a constant, unyielding presence. The Creaking Thing Charlie remembers a childhood nightmare of a creaking monster in the dark, which he later associates with his father. This dream recurs throughout his life, symbolizing his fear and trauma. The Hunting Trip At age nine, Charlie overhears his father and friends joking about violence toward women, including the "Cherokee Nose Job." This experience deeply disturbs him and contributes to his hatred of his father.

The Storm Windows Incident

A Child's Rebellion Breaking the Windows Charlie, at age four, throws rocks at the storm windows his father is preparing to install. He breaks them all, feeling a sense of pleasure. His father catches him and throws him to the ground, causing Charlie to cry. The Aftermath Charlie's mother defends him, and his father is banished. Charlie learns that he can manipulate his parents against each other. This incident marks the beginning of his adversarial relationship with his father. The Emotional Impact Charlie feels a mix of fear and triumph. The memory of his father's anger and his mother's protection becomes a recurring theme in his life.

The Fight with Dicky Cable

Humiliation and Violence The Party Charlie is forced by his mother to wear a corduroy suit to Carol Granger's party. He feels out of place and is mocked by Dicky Cable. A fight ensues, and Charlie is beaten badly. The Aftermath Charlie runs away and hides, crying. He considers running away but eventually goes home. The incident reinforces his sense of isolation and his tendency to resort to violence when cornered. The Long-Term Effect Charlie's humiliation at the party contributes to his growing anger and distrust of others. He begins to carry a pipe wrench to school for protection.

Failed Sexual Encounter with Dana Collette

Impotence and Shame The Party Charlie attends a party at Schoodic Point with Joe and Pete McKennedy. He gets high on marijuana and is attracted to Dana Collette. She invites him outside, but he is unable to perform sexually. The Aftermath Dana is understanding, but Charlie is devastated. He fears he is homosexual and feels deep shame. The experience adds to his psychological burden. The Dream That night, Charlie dreams of his father bringing his mother with a slit nose. The dream combines his sexual failure with his father's violence, deepening his trauma.

Assault on Mr. Carlson

The Pipe Wrench Attack The Classroom Incident Charlie is called to the board in chemistry class and fails to solve a problem. Mr. Carlson mocks him, and Charlie snaps. He pulls out a pipe wrench and strikes Carlson, causing a serious head injury. The Aftermath Charlie is suspended and faces possible expulsion. He is sent to see Don Grace for counseling. The attack is a precursor to the hostage crisis. The Escalation Charlie's violence escalates from the pipe wrench to the pistol. He begins carrying his father's gun to school, planning the hostage-taking.

Confrontation with Father in Garage

The Final Showdown The Belt and the Hatchet Charlie's father, Carl Decker, confronts him in the garage with a belt. Charlie fights back, grabbing a hatchet. They face off, but neither attacks. The confrontation ends with Carl driving Charlie to the hospital for stitches. The Emotional Aftermath Charlie realizes he has physically bested his father, but feels no victory. The relationship is permanently broken. Charlie's hatred for his father is now complete. The Turning Point After this, Charlie decides to take his father's pistol and use it. The garage fight is the final push toward the hostage crisis.

Two years before the crisis

Fall of 1962, when Charlie was four

Age twelve, at Carol Granger's birthday party

Summer before junior year, at Schoodic Point

March 3, the year of the crisis

After the assault on Mr. Carlson, spring of the crisis year