The Judge and the Plaintiff
by Ambrose Bierce · from Fantastic Fables
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, in a big town. Mr. Fox waited. He was a clever fox. He waited for a big choice. Mr. Fox had a problem. It was with the train group. He waited in a quiet room. He waited for a judge. The judge would speak. The judge would decide his problem. Mr. Fox felt worried. He wanted to win. He waited and waited. He waited for a long time.
Then, the door opened. Judge Bear walked in. He was a big, great bear. He wore a long, dark robe. Judge Bear looked at Mr. Fox. He smiled a little. "Hello," said Judge Bear. "I will decide your case." He spoke slow. Mr. Fox looked at him. Judge Bear was very great. He sat on a big chair.
Judge Bear spoke again. "I will decide your case," he said. "If you win, what will you do?" Judge looked. "How will you say thanks?" Judge Bear asked. "How will you show you are happy?" He waited for Mr. Fox. He waited for a special answer. He looked at Mr. Fox'
Original Story
The Judge and the Plaintiff
A Man of Experience in Business was awaiting the judgment of the Court in an action for damages which he had brought against a railway company. The door opened and the Judge of the Court entered.
“Well,” said he, “I am going to decide your case to-day. If I should decide in your favour, I wonder how you would express your satisfaction?”
“Sir,” said the Man of Experience in Business, “I should risk your anger by offering you one half the sum awarded.”
“Did I say I was going to decide that case?” said the Judge, abruptly, as if awakening from a dream. “Dear me, how absent-minded I am. I mean I have already decided it, and judgment has been entered for the full amount that you sued for.”
“Did I say I would give you one half?” said the Man of Experience in Business, coldly. “Dear me, how near I came to being a rascal. I mean, that I am greatly obliged to you.”
Story DNA
Moral
Both the powerful and the seemingly wronged can be corrupted by greed, revealing their true character when put to the test.
Plot Summary
A businessman awaits a court judgment and is subtly propositioned by the Judge for a bribe. The businessman offers half the awarded sum. The Judge then claims to have already decided the case in the businessman's favor, effectively nullifying the need for the bribe. Realizing he's been outmaneuvered, the businessman retracts his offer, and both parties maintain a facade of integrity despite their underlying corruption.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suspense to cynical realization
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Ambrose Bierce was known for his cynical and often dark short stories, frequently satirizing human nature and institutions, reflecting a post-Civil War disillusionment.
Plot Beats (6)
- A Man of Experience in Business is waiting for the court's judgment in a lawsuit he filed against a railway company.
- The Judge enters and initiates a conversation with the businessman.
- The Judge asks the businessman how he would show his satisfaction if the case were decided in his favor.
- The businessman, understanding the implication, offers the Judge half of the awarded sum as a bribe.
- The Judge abruptly changes his demeanor, claiming absent-mindedness, and states that he has already decided the case in the businessman's favor for the full amount.
- The businessman, realizing he has been outwitted and the bribe is no longer needed, coldly retracts his offer, claiming he almost became a rascal, and simply expresses his gratitude to the Judge.
Characters
The Judge ◆ supporting
A man of average height and build, likely with a somewhat formal and perhaps slightly weary demeanor from years on the bench. His posture would suggest authority, though perhaps with a hint of world-weariness or a subtle cunning beneath the surface.
Attire: A formal black judicial robe, likely made of heavy wool or silk, worn over a crisp white shirt with a starched collar and a dark tie. The robe would be unadorned, emphasizing the solemnity of his office, consistent with late 19th-century American judicial attire.
Wants: To gain personal wealth through his position of power; to exploit opportunities for financial gain.
Flaw: Greed; his willingness to compromise his judicial integrity for money.
He reveals his corrupt nature, attempting to solicit a bribe, and then quickly adapts his stance when he realizes the plaintiff is also attempting to retract his offer.
Corrupt, shrewd, opportunistic, calculating, deceptive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man of average height, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a clean-shaven face with a composed, slightly shrewd expression, and neatly combed graying hair. He wears a formal black judicial robe over a crisp white shirt with a starched collar and a dark tie. His hands are clasped loosely in front of him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Man of Experience in Business ★ protagonist
A man of perhaps middle age, with a practical and somewhat guarded demeanor. His build might be average, suggesting a life of mental rather than physical labor. He would carry himself with a self-assured, perhaps slightly stiff, posture.
Attire: A dark, well-tailored three-piece suit made of wool, common for late 19th-century American businessmen. This would include a waistcoat, a crisp white collared shirt, and a dark tie. His shoes would be polished leather, and he might carry a pocket watch.
Wants: To win his lawsuit and maximize his financial gain, while minimizing any personal cost or risk.
Flaw: His initial willingness to engage in bribery, which reveals a moral flexibility.
He initially attempts to bribe the judge but quickly retracts his offer when the judge reveals the favorable judgment, demonstrating his sharp business acumen and self-preservation.
Shrewd, cautious, opportunistic, quick-witted, self-interested.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man of average height, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a neatly trimmed mustache, alert, calculating eyes, and a composed expression. He wears a dark, well-tailored three-piece wool suit with a waistcoat, a crisp white collared shirt, and a dark tie. His hands are at his sides, or perhaps one hand is subtly adjusting his waistcoat. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Judge's Chambers / Courtroom Antechamber
A private, formal room within a courthouse, likely furnished for a judge's use, with a door that opens to admit visitors.
Mood: formal, tense, expectant
The plaintiff awaits the judge, and their corrupt negotiation takes place here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dimly lit, formal room within a late 19th-century American courthouse. Heavy, dark oak paneling covers the walls, and a large, ornate mahogany desk dominates the center, piled with legal tomes and papers. A single tall, arched window with heavy velvet drapes allows a sliver of muted daylight to fall onto the polished wooden floor. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
