If I Were You
If I Were You by Douglas James is a witty one-act play in which a clever man outsmarts an armed intruder who plans to kill him. The page gives a clear summary, the theme, the characters and exam-style questions.
Learning objectives
- Recall the events of the play.
- Understand the theme of wit defeating force.
- Describe Gerrard and the Intruder.
- Answer comprehension and exam questions.
Key concepts
Summary
The play is set in the lonely cottage of Gerrard, a witty playwright. One day an armed criminal, called the Intruder, breaks in. He plans to kill Gerrard and take over his identity so that he can escape the police, who are after him for murder. Gerrard, however, keeps his nerve and his sense of humour. Talking cleverly, he spins a story that he too is a wanted criminal and that the police are about to arrive at any moment, which alarms and confuses the Intruder. Pretending to help him escape, Gerrard tricks the Intruder into stepping into a cupboard that he claims is a secret exit, then quickly locks him inside. Gerrard then telephones the police, having defeated the dangerous criminal entirely through his quick thinking.
Theme
The central theme is that intelligence and presence of mind can triumph over brute force. Although the Intruder has a gun and means to kill, it is Gerrard's quick wit, calmness and clever talk that save his life and lead to the criminal's capture, showing that brains can defeat a more dangerous opponent.
Characters
Gerrard is a smart, witty and calm playwright who uses his intelligence to outwit a killer. The Intruder is a hardened criminal who is confident with his gun but is finally outsmarted because he is no match for Gerrard's cleverness. Their clash drives the suspense and humour of the play.
About the author
Douglas James wrote this entertaining one-act play, which combines tension with humour. Through a single dramatic encounter, the play shows how a cool head and a clever tongue can turn a deadly situation around, making intelligence the true hero of the story.
Key definitions
- One-act play
- A short play performed in a single act.
- Intruder
- A person who enters a place unlawfully; the criminal in the play.
- Presence of mind
- The ability to stay calm and think quickly in a crisis, as Gerrard shows.
- Identity
- Who a person is; the Intruder plans to steal Gerrard's.
Solved examples
Q1. Why does the Intruder break into Gerrard's cottage?
Solution: To kill Gerrard and take his identity to escape the police.
Q2. What clever story does Gerrard invent?
Solution: That he too is a wanted criminal and that the police are about to arrive.
Q3. How does Gerrard finally trap the Intruder?
Solution: He tricks him into a cupboard, claiming it is a secret exit, then locks him in.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking Gerrard uses force or a weapon (he uses cleverness).
- Forgetting the Intruder's plan to steal Gerrard's identity.
- Confusing how Gerrard traps the Intruder (in a cupboard).
- Missing the theme that wit defeats brute force.
If I Were You — MCQ Quiz
10 questions with instant feedback. Use number keys 1–4 to answer.
If I Were You was written by:
Practice questions
Short answer
Why does the Intruder enter Gerrard's cottage?
To kill him and take his identity to escape the police.
How does Gerrard outwit the Intruder?
By inventing a clever story and trapping him in a cupboard.
What is the theme of the play?
That intelligence and presence of mind can defeat brute force.
Long answer
How does Gerrard outwit the Intruder in 'If I Were You'?
Gerrard outwits the Intruder entirely through his intelligence, calmness and clever talk, without ever using force. When the armed Intruder breaks into his cottage and announces that he intends to kill Gerrard and take over his identity to escape the police, Gerrard does not panic. Instead, keeping his wit about him, he begins to talk cleverly and spins a story that he himself is a wanted criminal and that the police are about to arrive at the cottage at any moment. This unexpected tale alarms and confuses the Intruder, who now becomes anxious to get away. Seizing the opportunity, Gerrard pretends to help him escape and lures him towards a cupboard, claiming it is a secret way out. As the Intruder steps inside, Gerrard quickly locks the door, trapping him, and then telephones the police. Through sheer presence of mind, Gerrard turns a deadly situation completely to his advantage.
What does the play teach about intelligence versus brute force?
The play teaches that intelligence and presence of mind are far more powerful than brute force. At first, the Intruder seems to have all the advantage: he is armed, he is a hardened criminal, and he has come with a clear and deadly plan. Gerrard, by contrast, has no weapon. Yet it is Gerrard who wins, because he stays calm and uses his sharp mind. By inventing a convincing story and cleverly manipulating the situation, he confuses and traps the criminal, saving his own life and ensuring the Intruder's capture. The contrast between the gun-carrying Intruder and the quick-thinking Gerrard drives home the message that a cool head and a clever mind can overcome even a dangerous, armed opponent. In short, the play shows that brains can defeat brawn.
HOTS (Higher Order Thinking)
Why does Gerrard's story about being a criminal work so well?
Because it makes the Intruder believe the police are coming and that escaping is urgent, which leads him to fall for Gerrard's trap of the 'secret exit'.
How does staying calm help Gerrard survive?
Staying calm allows him to think clearly and invent a clever plan, rather than panicking, which is what ultimately saves his life and traps the criminal.
Quick revision
Revision notes
- Author: Douglas James; a one-act play set in Gerrard's cottage.
- An armed Intruder plans to kill Gerrard and steal his identity to escape the police.
- Gerrard invents a story that he too is wanted and police are coming.
- He tricks the Intruder into a cupboard and locks him in, then calls the police. Theme: intelligence over force.
Key takeaways
- Wit and calmness defeat an armed criminal.
- Gerrard never uses force, only cleverness.
- Intelligence triumphs over brute force.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote If I Were You?
Douglas James.
Why does the Intruder come?
To kill Gerrard and take his identity to escape the police.
What is the theme?
That intelligence and presence of mind can defeat brute force.