The Accidental Terrorist
ADVENTURE BIOGRAPHICAL COMEDY CRIME YOUNG ADULT SUSPENSE/THRILLER FUNNY MEMOIR
1980s & '90s
William Shunn
Submision Type
book
Logline
Bill, a disillusioned Mormon missionary in Canada, makes a run for the border and home. The Church catches him and strong-arms him into resuming his mission. When a newer missionary then tries to run away, Bill feels he has no option but to stop him ... by phoning in a bomb threat.
Genre
Adventure,Biographical,Comedy,Crime,Young Adult,Suspense/Thriller,Funny,Memoir
Short Summary
Pressured by his Mormon family, 19-year-old Bill embarks on a two-year mission to Canada. After weeks of fruitless knocking on doors, he's had enough, and he hops a bus out of town. Church leaders intercept him in Montana and convince him to give the mission another try.
Setting
Calgary, Alberta, Canada; plus various locations in rural Alberta and Montana
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Internal Journey/Rebirth,Rebellion Against 'The One',Voyage and Return
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age,Philosophical Questions
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity
Main Character Details
Name: Bill Shunn
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Desperate,Empathetic,Skillful,Sarcastic,Funny,Engaging,Educated,Insecure,Naive,Lone Wolf,Clumsy,Religious,Secretive,Underdog
Additional Character Details
Name: President Tuttle
Age: 55
Gender: Male
Role: Antagonist
Key Traits: Religious,Outspoken,Educated,Leader,Confident,Aggressive,Charming,Manipulative,Sophisticated,Unapologetic,Villainous,Power Hungry,Masculine,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Elder Fowler
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Masculine,Strong Moral Code,Honorable,Uneducated,Charming,Confident,Engaging,Flexible,Modest,Obedient,Religious,Blunt,Outspoken,Funny,Unapologetic
Additional Character Details
Name: Elder Dedman
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Role: tempter
Key Traits: Aggressive,Confident,Crazy,Narcisstic,Masculine,Religious,Outspoken,Manipulative,Lone Wolf,Unapologetic