In The Westing Game, the rules of the game are central to the plot and are revealed gradually as the story unfolds. Here’s a breakdown of the key rules:
- Pairing Up: The 16 heirs are paired into eight teams. Each team is given a set of clues that they must solve together.
- Clues: Each team receives a different set of clues. These clues are pieces of a larger puzzle that, when solved, will reveal the true heir to the Westing fortune.
- Time Limit: The heirs have a limited amount of time to solve the mystery. The exact duration is not specified, but the sense of urgency is palpable throughout the story.
- No Outside Help: The heirs are not allowed to seek help from outside sources. They must rely solely on their own wits and the clues provided.
- Confidentiality: The heirs are instructed to keep the details of the game confidential. They are not supposed to discuss their clues or strategies with anyone outside their team.
- Final Answer: The ultimate goal is to identify the true heir to the Westing fortune. The team that correctly identifies the heir wins the game and inherits the fortune.
These rules create a complex and engaging mystery that drives the narrative of The Westing Game. The interplay between the characters and their attempts to solve the puzzle make for a compelling read.