A Witness Becomes a Target

The Woman in the Window

Anna’s effort to intervene in the Russells’ hidden violence draws the family’s attention onto her and culminates in a dangerous confrontation at home.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Unwanted Witness An Unwanted Witness from "The Woman in the Window". Hearing What Others Deny A Cry Across the Park Anna hears a scream from the Russells’ home and calls to check on the family.

An Unwanted Witness from "The Woman in the Window". Hearing What Others Deny A Cry Across the Park Anna hears a scream from the Russells’ home and calls to check on the family.

Hearing What Others Deny A Cry Across the Park Anna hears a scream from the Russells’ home and calls to check on the family. Ethan confirms that his father lost his temper, then ends the call. A Plea for Help Ethan later comes to Anna in tears, saying he needed to escape the house. Anna gives him her number and offers help, not yet knowing how much he is concealing.

The Neighbors Deny Her The Neighbors Deny Her from "The Woman in the Window". Credibility on Trial No Supporting Evidence The police bring Alistair and the woman he identifies as Jane into Anna’s home.

The Neighbors Deny Her from "The Woman in the Window". Credibility on Trial No Supporting Evidence The police bring Alistair and the woman he identifies as Jane into Anna’s home.

Credibility on Trial No Supporting Evidence The police bring Alistair and the woman he identifies as Jane into Anna’s home. She insists that this woman is not the person she met. Anna Is Discredited Her medication, drinking, and isolation become reasons to doubt her account. Ethan also denies knowing the woman Anna remembers, leaving her with no accepted witness.

The Home Is Entered The Home Is Entered from "The Woman in the Window". Surveillance Turns Inward A Photograph of Anna An email appears to show Anna asleep in her bedroom.

The Home Is Entered from "The Woman in the Window". Surveillance Turns Inward A Photograph of Anna An email appears to show Anna asleep in her bedroom.

Surveillance Turns Inward A Photograph of Anna An email appears to show Anna asleep in her bedroom. She initially suspects David, then realizes she cannot establish who took it or whether she took it herself. A New Vulnerability The image reverses Anna’s customary position as observer. Her private space no longer feels fully secure, even before the identity of the intruder is known.

Alistair’s Assault Alistair’s Assault from "The Woman in the Window". A Threat Inside the House Confrontation in the Kitchen Alistair enters Anna’s house and warns her to stay away from Ethan and his family.

Alistair’s Assault from "The Woman in the Window". A Threat Inside the House Confrontation in the Kitchen Alistair enters Anna’s house and warns her to stay away from Ethan and his family.

A Threat Inside the House Confrontation in the Kitchen Alistair enters Anna’s house and warns her to stay away from Ethan and his family. When Anna asks about Katie, he attacks her and grips her throat. Fear Without Recourse Anna does not report the assault because she expects the police to disbelieve her. The bruises become physical proof of danger that she still feels unable to use.

The Final Night Pursuit The Final Night Pursuit from "The Woman in the Window". Ethan Turns on Anna A Threat in the Bedroom Ethan reveals his deception and threatens Anna with the letter opener.

The Final Night Pursuit from "The Woman in the Window". Ethan Turns on Anna A Threat in the Bedroom Ethan reveals his deception and threatens Anna with the letter opener.

Ethan Turns on Anna A Threat in the Bedroom Ethan reveals his deception and threatens Anna with the letter opener. He has entered her house repeatedly, watched her, and used information from their online conversations. Escape to the Roof Anna fights back, runs upstairs, and reaches the storm-lashed roof. She uses gardening shears and the rooftop trellis to avoid being killed.

November 4, after the scream

November 5, during the police interview at Anna’s house

November 12–13, after Anna finds the photograph

The night of November 13

November 15, during the storm