Boredom Breeds Curiosity

In the small town of Pitts Landing, Greg, Shari, Bird, and Michael are bored and looking for excitement. They decide to explore the mysterious Coffman house, rumored to be haunted. Inside, they find a strange camera hidden in the basement. Greg, intrigued by the camera, takes it, unaware of the dark secrets it holds.

The Forbidden House

The friends are initially excited about their find, but the camera soon reveals its sinister nature. Greg takes a picture of Michael, who then falls and injures himself, just as the photo predicted. The friends begin to realize that the camera might be cursed, showing terrible events before they happen.

A Camera's Curse

Greg continues to use the camera, despite its ominous predictions. He takes a picture of his family's new car, which later gets totaled in an accident. The camera seems to be causing the disasters it captures, and Greg becomes increasingly anxious about its power.

Visions of Misfortune

During Shari's birthday party, Greg takes her picture, but she doesn't appear in the photo. Soon after, Shari disappears without a trace. The police are baffled, and Greg is consumed with guilt, suspecting the camera is responsible for her disappearance.

Shari's Disappearance

Greg is haunted by Shari's absence and the camera's role in it. He confides in his friends, but they are skeptical. Meanwhile, Greg's room is ransacked, presumably by Spidey, the mysterious figure who lurks around the Coffman house, searching for the camera.

The Truth Unveiled

Greg and Shari return to the Coffman house to confront Spidey. They learn that the camera was created by a scientist who cursed it after it was stolen by his partner, Dr. Fredericks, also known as Spidey. The camera is indeed evil, and Spidey has been trying to keep it hidden to prevent further harm.

A Deadly Revelation

In a struggle for the camera, Shari accidentally takes Spidey's picture, causing him to die of fright. The camera captures his death, proving its malevolent power. Greg and Shari decide to leave the camera in the Coffman house, hoping to end its reign of terror.

Returning the Evil

Greg and Shari report Spidey's death to the police, omitting the camera's involvement. They hope the camera will remain hidden and its curse forgotten. However, the camera's evil persists, as two local bullies, Joey and Mickey, find it and unknowingly unleash its power once more.

A New Threat Emerges

Joey and Mickey, unaware of the camera's curse, begin using it, setting the stage for more misfortune. The camera's dark influence remains, ready to ensnare new victims in its web of doom.

Characters

Greg Banks

Greg is the protagonist who discovers the cursed camera. His curiosity leads him to take the camera from the Coffman house, but he soon becomes tormented by its power. Greg struggles with guilt and fear as he realizes the camera's role in the disasters that follow. His determination to return the camera shows his growth from a thrill-seeking teenager to a responsible young adult.

Shari Walker

Shari is Greg's close friend and neighbor. She is initially skeptical of the camera's power but becomes a victim when she disappears after her photo is taken. Her return is shrouded in mystery, and she remains a symbol of the camera's unpredictable and dangerous nature.

Bird (Doug Arthur)

Bird, nicknamed for his birdlike appearance, provides humor and skepticism throughout the story. He is reluctant to believe in the camera's curse but is supportive of Greg. Bird's lighthearted nature contrasts with the dark events surrounding the camera.

Michael Warner

Michael is part of Greg's group of friends and is the first to experience the camera's curse when he falls after his picture is taken. He is cautious and wary of the camera, preferring to avoid further involvement with it.

Dr. Fritz Fredericks (Spidey)

Dr. Fredericks, known as Spidey, is the camera's original thief and its reluctant guardian. His life is consumed by the camera's curse, and he becomes a tragic figure, trying to prevent others from suffering its effects. His death underscores the camera's lethal power.

Joey Ferris and Mickey Ward

These local bullies find the camera after Greg and Shari leave it behind. Unaware of its curse, they begin using it, setting the stage for more misfortune. Their involvement suggests the camera's cycle of evil will continue.

Plot Devices

The Cursed Camera

The camera is the central plot device, driving the story's events. It captures images of future disasters, seemingly causing them to happen. Its origins in dark magic and its inability to be destroyed make it a powerful symbol of uncontrollable evil.

Foreshadowing and Suspense

The story uses foreshadowing and suspense to create suspense, with the camera's photos predicting future events. This device keeps readers on edge, as they anticipate the disasters that follow each snapshot. The suspense is heightened by the characters' growing fear and desperation.

Themes of Responsibility and Consequences

The story explores the theme of responsibility, as Greg's initial curiosity leads to unintended consequences. The camera's curse serves as a metaphor for the dangers of tampering with forces beyond one's control. The characters' attempts to rectify their mistakes highlight the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.

Analysis

"Say Cheese and Die!" explores the dangers of curiosity and the unforeseen consequences of meddling with unknown forces. The cursed camera symbolizes the unpredictable nature of tampering with dark powers, serving as a warning against the allure of forbidden knowledge. The story also delves into themes of responsibility, as Greg and his friends grapple with the repercussions of their actions. The narrative's suspenseful structure and use of foreshadowing keep readers engaged, while the characters' development underscores the importance of accountability. Ultimately, the book serves as a reminder that some mysteries are best left unsolved, and that the pursuit of excitement can lead to unforeseen peril.

Last updated: April 23, 2025