Difference between revisions of "Summary:The Rithmatist"

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This page contains a chapter by chapter summary of '''''[[The Rithmatist]].''''' We hope this summary will make it easier to find specific areas of the book, as well as providing a quick plot refresher for anyone who doesn't want to take the time to reread the entire book.
 +
This page contains a chapter by chapter summary of '''''[[The Rithmatist]].''''' We hope this summary will make it easier to find specific areas of the book, as well as provide a quick plot refresher for anyone who doesn't want to take the time to reread the entire book.
   
 
<div style="float:right; padding-left:1em">__TOC__</div>
  
<div style="float:right; padding-left:1em">__TOC__</div>
   
 
== Prologue ==
  
== Prologue ==
  +
[[File: Chalkling Hunter.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of the Basic Easton Defense: [http://i0.wp.com/www.tor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/the-rithmatist.jpg?resize=449%2C702&type=vertical]
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
[[Lilly Whiting|Lilly]] -- a [[Rithmatics]] student of the [[Armedius Academy]] -- is hunted by a mysterious person that sends [[chalkling|chalklings]] to attack her. She tries hard to defend herself, but disappears.
  
  +
Lilly Whiting -- a [[Rithmatics]] student of the [[Armedius Academy]] -- is hunted by a mysterious figure that sends [[chalkling]]s to attack her. She tries hard to defend herself, but fails.
   
 
== Part 1 ==
  
== Part 1 ==
   
 
=== Chapter 1 ===
  
=== Chapter 1 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Knight.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of the 4 Rithmatic Lines: [http://thebooksmugglers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rithmatist-the-four-rithmatic-lines.jpg]
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Michael]]
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Paul Crew]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Adelle Choi]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Thomas York]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
[[Joel Saxon|Joel]] is sent to run errands for the office. He keeps the message for the Rithmatics professor [[Fitch]] for the last one and sneaks into Fitch's classroom. When Professor [[Andrew Nalizar|Nalizar]] shows up to challenge Professor Fitch Joel watches the duel and witnesses the loosing of Professor Fitch.
  
  +
[[Joel Saxon|Joel]] is sent to run errands for the office. He rushes through his other tasks, saving a message for Rithmatics professor [[Fitch]] for last, so he can watch a Rithmatics lecture. When Professor [[Andrew Nalizar|Nalizar]] shows up to challenge Professor Fitch, Joel watches the duel and witnesses the loss by Fitch and his subsequent demotion.
   
 
=== Chapter 2 ===
  
=== Chapter 2 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Raptor.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of Two-Point and Four-Point circles: [http://i0.wp.com/www.tor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/rithmatist3.png?resize=450%2C697&type=vertical]
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Fitch]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Thomas York]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel comes back to the office after running his errands and watching the fight between Nalizar and Fitch. He tells the clerks that Fitch lost. That causes the clerks, [[Florence]] and [[Exton L. Pratt|Exton]], to discuss about the necessity of such duels.
 
  +
Joel comes back to the office after running his errands tells the clerks, [[Florence]] and [[Exton L. Pratt|Exton]], about the duel. The clerks discuss the necessity of such traditions.
   
 
Because the summer holidays are coming, Joel needs to choose a [[Armedius_Academy#Summer_Electives|summer elective]]. Florence prods him to do so and not miss it, for he would end up in a remedial tutelage if he does. He promises to do it in time.
  
Because the summer holidays are coming, Joel needs to choose a [[Armedius_Academy#Summer_Electives|summer elective]]. Florence prods him to do so and not miss it, for he would end up in a remedial tutelage if he does. He promises to do it in time.
   
 
=== Chapter 3 ===
  
=== Chapter 3 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling DinoThug.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of Bind Points and Circles Advanced Notes [http://i1.wp.com/www.tor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/rithmatist4.jpg?resize=534%2C803&type=vertical]
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Layton]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Trent Saxon]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
After history class Joel has to do math. Joel likes mathematics as for geometry is the base for [[Rithmatics]]. The [[Armedius_Academy#Rithmatic_Campus|Rithmatic campus]] was set apart to the [[Armedius_Academy#General_Campus|General campus]] though -- as in Joel's math class -- some of the Rithmatists had to join the ordinary classes because of lacking the basics.
 
  +
Joel attends math class. Joel likes math because geometry is the basis of [[Rithmatics]]. When Professor [[Layton]] comes to check the previous night's assignment, Joel is caught not having completed it. When Professor Layton dismisses the class he tells Joel to stay. Joel quickly realizes that Layton thinks he cheated to get perfect scores on all his tests. Joel proposes completing the assignment in these last few minutes of the class to prove his abilities and starts doing so. The professor assumes Joel already had the answers and draws a new task on the board. Joel solves it very quickly and points out some inaccuracies in the proportions of the drawing. He demonstrates his ability to draw perfect lines and circles by eye and convinces Layton that he already knew what was taught during this term, along with trigonometry and algebra. Layton agrees to pass Joel.
−  
−
When Professor [[Layton]] comes to check off last night's assignment, Joel is caught in not having done them. When Professor Layton dismisses the class he tells Joel to stay. Though Joel got perfect marks in the tests, Professor Layton isn't convinced about Joel's knowledge and Joel realizes that the professor thought him cheating. Joel supposes to do the assignment in these last few minutes of the class and begins to do. The professor thought somebody told Joel the answers and draws a new task on the board. Joel solves it quite instantly and points out that the drawings where not really accurate. He proves to be able to draw perfect lines and circles by eye and convinces Professor Layton that he already knew what was taught during this term, and also trigonometry and algebra. Finally the professor gives Joel the pass for geometry class.
  
   
 
=== Chapter 4 ===
  
=== Chapter 4 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Bull.svg|125px|center]]
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Charlington]]
  +
* [[Rose]]
  +
* [[Davis]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]]
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Layton]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Harris]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Peterton]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Florence]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Langor]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Diagram of the Ballintain Defense: [http://i2.wp.com/www.tor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/rithmatist6.jpg?resize=448%2C614&type=vertical]
  
  +
Outside of the classroom, Joel finds [[Melody Muns|Melody]] waiting, drawing unicorns in her notebook. She's one of the Rithmatic students in the math class. He is upset that she isn't practicing Rithmatics but she says she wants to spend time doing things that are not related to Rithmatics.
−  
−
Outside the classroom there's [[Melody Muns|Melody]] waiting. She's one of the Rithmatic students in this math class. Joel finds her drawing unicorns. He is upset that she doesn't draw Rithmatic lines but she says she wants to spend time doing things that are not related to Rithmatics. Then she leaves him for her talk with Professor Layton.
 
   
−
Joel makes his way to a group of students where he heard about a Rithmatist student, [[Lilly Whiting]], missing. Walking with Davis and Rose they see a federal inspector leave the Principal's office. As for a federal inspector has jurisdiction in all sixty islands it was unusual to see one on the campus. Also Principal York seemed to be troubled.
+
Joel makes his way to a group of students where he hears that a Rithmatic student, [[Lilly Whiting]], is missing. Walking with Davis and Rose they see a federal inspector leave the Principal's office. Federal inspectors have jurisdiction over all sixty islands, and are an unusual sight on campus. [[Thomas York|Principal Thomas York]] seems troubled by the visit.
   
−
There is only one other student nearly in his age on the campus that is a child of a professor and not a Rithmatist himself, Davis. In previous years Joel and Davis spent summer holidays together at the campus. But Davis now tells Joel that he has the opportunity to spend holidays with the group that Michael takes with him, what is a great chance for Davis' future. When Joel seems disappointed, Davis reminds him that he is treated well by all the others. Joel has to admit this is right but he's not included by them, but barely tolerated.
+
[[Davis]] is the only one other student near Joel's age that is a child of a staff member and not a Rithmatist himself. During previous years Joel and Davis spent summer holidays together at the campus. This year, however, Davis has the opportunity to spend holidays with the group that Michael takes to his beach house, which is a great opportunity for Davis's future. When Joel seems disappointed, Davis reminds him that he has never been bullied by the other students. Joel has to admit this is the case, but reflects that he's also frequently excluded.
   
−
When Davis and Rose leave to join Michael, Joel looks for a good place to read through Professor Fitch's books. Only when it grows too dark to read he thinks about supper and goes to the dining hall. His mother is already there. He takes himself something to eat and sits by his mother. She asks him about his summer elective and whether he's passing this year's classes.
+
When Davis and Rose leave to join Michael, Joel looks for a good place to read through Professor Fitch's books. Only when it grows too dark to read does he go to the dining hall for supper. His mother is already there and asks him about his summer elective and whether he's passing this year's classes. He promises that he's working on it.
−
Then Joel asks his mother whether she has heard something about Lilly Whiting and, she told him it seems that she ran away.
 
−
Joel stands, telling his mother he will be back in a few minutes.
  
   
 
=== Chapter 5 ===
  
=== Chapter 5 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Jaguar.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of a Six-Point Circle: [http://i2.wp.com/www.tor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/rithmatist11.jpg?resize=399%2C621&type=vertical]
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Thomas York]]
  +
* [[Haberstock]]
  +
* [[Yallard]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Trent Saxon]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel takes the two books from Professor Fitch he still carries around and approaches Professor Fitch, who now has to sit at the end of the professors' table. Detected by the other professors and told to leave, Joel is surprised when Professor Fitch tells them that he asked him to come. Joel gives the books back and hands Professor Fitch his apply to be with his student for summer elective. Professor Fitch tells him that there are always young man trying to join Rithmatist classes but that this is not possible. Then he suggests Joel to study at another university which is more open to teach Rithmatic to non-Rithmatists too. But he doesn't take Joel for summer elective.
  
  +
Joel approaches Professor Fitch, who now has to sit at the far end of the professors' table, with the Rithmatic books. Directed to leave by Professor Nalizar, Joel is surprised when Fitch pretends that he asked him to come. Joel returns the books and hands Professor Fitch his application to be his student for summer elective. Professor Fitch tells him that there are always young men trying to join Rithmatist classes but that this is not possible. He suggests Joel study at another university which is more open to teaching Rithmatics to non-Rithmatists. He denies Joel's request to join his summer elective.
   
 
=== Chapter 6 ===
  
=== Chapter 6 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Bat.svg|125px|center]]
−
That night Joel muses about another possibility to get assigned for summer elective to Professor Fitch. He decides to fail the history test, hoping that this will cause a summer elective with Professor Fitch about Rithmatic history. Doing so Joel is sent to the office. Principal York shows Joel that he's disappointed about his behavior and Joel admits that he failed the test on purpose. Though it's against traditions to assign non-Rithmatists to Rithmatic professors, Principal York remembered that he put Professor Fitch on a special project and he thinks it a good idea to give the professor a research assistant. That research assistant hasn't to be a Rithmatic student, and he assigned Joel for this job, given that Joel passes the history test. Joel runs back to the history class and does his test, finally being assigned to Professor Fitch for the summer elective, though Principal York told him to talk to him next time.
 
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Kim]]
  +
* [[Thomas York]]
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Trent Saxon]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Fitch]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
== Part 2 ==
  
  +
That night Joel brainstorms other ways of getting assigned to Professor Fitch's summer elective. He decides to fail his Rithmatic history test, hoping that this will cause him to be assigned remedial tutoring with Professor Fitch. Upon handing in his final test (with answers he knows are wrong), Joel is sent to the office. Principal York is about to expel Joel from Armedius when Joel admits that he failed the test on purpose. Hesitant to allow a non-Rithmatist to study with a Rithmatic professor (which goes against tradition), York comes up with a compromise: Joel can be a research assistant to Fitch, who was just assigned a special project by York, provided he can pass his history test. Joel races back to history class and passes his test.
   
  +
== Part 2 ==
 
=== Chapter 7 ===
  
=== Chapter 7 ===
  +
;Characters
−
Next morning Joel makes his way to Professor Fitch who is surprised to get Joel as research assistant but thinks it a good idea. Joel immediately feels at home in Professor Fitch's office with all that Rithmatic lines and books everywhere.
 
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Thomas York]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Shortly after his arriving Professor Fitch's second student arrives: Melody. She has to do a remedial tutelage with Professor Fitch because she failed in the basics of Rithmatic lines. She's put to do tracings of Rithmatic diagrams while Joel has to look through census records to search for all Rithmatists who died in the last twenty years. Though he isn't glad for this he begins go work on this task.
 
  +
Next morning Joel makes his way to Professor Fitch who is surprised to get Joel as research assistant but thinks it's a good idea. Joel immediately feels at home in Professor Fitch's office among all the Rithmatic diagrams and books scattered about.
−
Melody rumbles about her task, musing that she can't even draw perfect circles when tracing. Joel comes to help her and shows her some freehand circles. She asks him whether he does her tracing for her and she looks into his files. Joel reminds her of Professor Fitch sitting nearby who, indeed, listens to the two of them. When this first day ends Joel is more curious than before.
 
  +
  +
Shortly after Joel's arrival, Professor Fitch's second student arrives: Melody. She has to do a remedial tutelage with Professor Fitch because she failed the basics of Rithmatic lines. She's assigned tracings of Rithmatic diagrams while Joel has to investigate census records identify for all Rithmatists who died in the last twenty years. Though he isn't excited by his assignment, he jumps in anyway.
  +
Melody grumbles about her task, musing that she can't even draw perfect circles when tracing. Joel comes to help her and shows her some freehand circles. She asks him whether he would swap tasks with her, despite Professor Fitch sitting next to them.
   
 
=== Chapter 8 ===
  
=== Chapter 8 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Octopus.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram for the Sumsion Defense
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Hextilda McTavish]]
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Haberstock]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Harding]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel takes some food to Florence and Exton in an attempt to find out what is going on. He discovers that there is a belief that Lilly Whiting didn't disappear, but that she was murdered by a Rithmatist.
  
  +
Joel takes some food to Florence and Exton in an attempt to find out what is going on. He discovers that there is a rumor that Lilly Whiting didn't disappear, but that she was murdered by a Rithmatist.
   
 
=== Chapter 9 ===
  
=== Chapter 9 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Hydra.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram for Osborn defense
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
As Joel researches through the books, he finds Exton in the list of graduates from Armedius. Melody gets sick of tracing, and Fitch decides to teach Melody about keening and opponent. He gives her a lecture about the importance of strategy. Joel and Melody then competes as if they were in a dual.
 
  +
As Joel researches through the books, he finds Exton in the list of graduates from Armedius. Melody gets sick of tracing, and Fitch decides to teach Melody about keening (anticipating) an opponent. He gives her a lecture about the importance of strategy. Joel and Melody then compete as if they were in a duel. Joel comes out on top and offends Melody by making fun of her poor Rithmatic abilities (although he meant it as lighthearted ribbing).
   
 
=== Chapter 10 ===
  
=== Chapter 10 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Mantis.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of the Eskridge Defense
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Ms. Torrent]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Thomas York]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Margaret Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Leland Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel finishes up work on the census records and takes them to Fitch at Warding Hall. Fitch is distracted when he arrives, showing little interest in the records. Fitch then tells Joel that another Rithmatist student has disappeared, Herman Libel. Joel talks Fitch into letting him help with the events. They go over the diagrams from Lilly's scene. Harding arrives and fills them in on Herman, while also providing more sketches.
  
  +
Joel finishes up work on the census records and takes them to Fitch at Warding Hall. Fitch is distracted when he arrives, showing little interest in the records. Fitch then tells Joel that another Rithmatist student has disappeared, [[Herman Libel]]. Joel talks Fitch into letting him help with the actual investigation. They go over the diagrams from Lilly's scene. [[Harding|Inspector Harding]] arrives and fills them in on Herman, while also providing more sketches.
   
 
=== Chapter 11 ===
  
=== Chapter 11 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Farmer.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagrams from the scene of Lilly Whiting
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Thomas York]]
  +
* [[James Hovell]]
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Elizabeth Warner]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Ms. Torrent]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Didrich Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Attin Balazmed]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Gerald Taffington]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Matthew Jordan]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel goes to the library with Melody to find anything about the mysterious symbols found at the crime scenes. He grows more suspicious of Nalizar as he checked out a book about unknown Rithmatic symbols. Later, Joel teaches Melody the Jordan defense, so she can efficiently make chalklings.
  
  +
Joel attempts to research Rithmatic lines in the library, but is not allowed into the Rithmatist section. He makes up with Melody and enlists her to escort him into the restricted section. They spy on Nalizar in the library and Joel is suspicious when he checks out a book on unknown Rithmatic symbols. Afterward, Joel teaches Melody about the [[Rithmatics#Jordan Defense|Jordan defense]], which will highlight her strength (making chalklings) while hiding her weakness (drawing lines).
   
 
=== Chapter 12 ===
  
=== Chapter 12 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Centipede.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of Herman Libel's disappearance
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]]
  +
* [[Thomas York]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Gregory III]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Trent Saxon]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Every parents who have a child who's a Rithmatist is sending their child back to their homes, so the person who is kidnapping all the Rithmatists won't take their child. Harding sends his troops to lockdown the entire school and keep all the students in there. When Joel starts suspecting Nalizar even more, Harding explains how Nalizar is a hero instead of the mean person he seems to be. Every non-Rithmatists starts being afraid of the Rithmatists. Joel invites Melody to eat with him and his mother. Mrs. Saxon (Who is Joel's mother) talks about Trent (Joel's father). Joel asks Melody about the inception, and she tells him she isn't suppose to tell him about it.
  
  +
Parents of Rithmatist students begin pulling their children out of Armedius Academy. Inspector Harding stations police on school grounds and initiates a lockdown of the campus. When Joel mentions his suspicions of Professor Nalizar, Harding reveals that he fought alongside Nalizar at [[Nebrask]] and considers him a hero.
  +
  +
Joel invites Melody (who usually eats alone) to eat with him and his mother in the dining hall. [[Mrs. Saxon]] talks about [[Trent Saxon|Trent]], Joel's late father, who was the school's chalkmaker. Joel asks Melody about inception, but Melody refuses to answer, explaining that Rithmatists aren't allowed to talk to non-Rithmatists about the process.
   
 
=== Chapter 13 ===
  
=== Chapter 13 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Assassin.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of the Jordan Defense
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Barkley]]
  +
* [[Richardson Matthews]]
  +
* [[Harding]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Stewart]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel and Melody went out to get ice cream. Melody hoped she can get Joel to tell her about what he was up to. She tells Joel why she doesn't like being a Rithmatist, and Joel tells her why he isn't a Rithmatist and how he missed his inception. Melody explains how chalklings work to Joel after he tell her how he is only good at knowing about the defenses.
  
  +
Melody invites Joel out for ice cream, hoping that he'll tell her more about the investigation with Professor Fitch in return for information about the inception ceremony. They get to know one another. Melody describes how being a Rithmatist makes her feel trapped. Joel reveals that the death of his father caused him to miss the standard July 4th inception ceremony. Melody explains some of the theory behind making chalklings after he mentions that he doesn't know much about them. Joel discovers just how poor his family is after learning how much Melody's allowance is. Melody generously gives him money to pay for their date (so he doesn't feel emasculated) and gives him an extra dollar to keep.
   
 
=== Chapter 14 ===
  
=== Chapter 14 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Serpent.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of Lines of Vigor Part 1: Basic Usage
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Darm]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Emuishere]]
  +
* [[Fitch]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Thomas York]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Harding]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Trent Saxon]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Charles Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
  +
  +
;Plot Summary
  +
Joel and Melody read a newspaper detailing confidential information about the investigation that Joel is working with Professor Fitch on, the exact information that Joel agreed to tell Melody.
  +
  +
Later that night, Joel can't sleep so he wanders to the Rithmatic part of campus. He briefly considers breaking into Professor Nalizar's room to steal a Rithmatics book, but decides against it. Joel seeks out his mother and finds her cleaning the dueling arena. He helps her clean and asks about their money situation. She explains that his father ran up a lot of debt before he died, and that's why they're so poor. She refuses his help paying down the debts, and doesn't want him to worry about them. The next day, it's revealed that another Rithmatic student, [[Charles Calloway]], the son of a [[knight-senator]], has been kidnapped. This time, however, some non-Rithmatists were also killed.
   
−
Melody shows a newspaper about Professor Fitch explaining about the kidnapper loose in New Britannia. Joel becomes better friends with Melody, and he thanks her for giving him money as a gift. Joel couldn't sleep, so he takes a walk into the Making Hall and stops in front of Professor Nalizar's room to steal the book he wanted to see. Professor Nalizar comes out of his room, but he didn't see Joel. Joel decides to talk to his mother. He went to the dueling arena where his mother was cleaning the floor. Joel helps her clean, and he wanted to help his mother pay of their debt. She doesn't want Joel to stress over the debts, and refuses his help. The next day, Joel finds a lot of people running around the halls. He asks Mrs. Emuishere what's going on. She tells him another person, Charles Calloway, the knight-senator's son, and his servants were murdered and kidnapped the last night. Joel realized everything changed after the murderer also killed a non-Rithmatist.Stop Reading this Andrew Choi!
  
 
== Part 3 ==
  
== Part 3 ==
   
 
=== Chapter 15 ===
  
=== Chapter 15 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Flytrap.svg|125px|center]]
−
Instructions to instructing chalklings
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Eventire]]
  +
* [[Tzentian]]
  +
* [[Didrich Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Charles Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
  +
  +
;Plot Summary
  +
Joel, Professor Fitch and Inspector Harding travel to East Carolina to investigate the crime scene while it's still fresh. Harding reveals that he was at the Calloway estate the previous night, trying to convince Charles's father, Didrich Calloway, that his son would be safer at Armedius than at home. Joel and Fitch discover that the mysterious symbols found at the crime scene are a new type of Rithmatic line.
   
−
Joel and Professor Fitch went to East Carolina to check the crime scene before the police men erased all of the chalk diagrams. Everyone talks about how Charles would have been safer at Armedius. Joel finds out the mysterious symbols are a Rithmatic line.
 
 
=== Chapter 16 ===
  
=== Chapter 16 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Bear.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of the Shoaff Defense I told you to stop bro!
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Charles Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Gregory III]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
They found Charles's last words, and a description of the murderer. Fitch mentions a Forgotten couldn't have made the chalklings attack all the people. They found more evidence and descriptions of who the Scribbler might be. He finds a chalking chasing him. He figures out Melody drawn the chalkling, and she was trying to spy on what Joel was doing. Inspector Harding starts suspecting Melody might be the Scribbler.
  
  +
Inside Charles's room, they find the remains of a large battle. Charles had managed a strong defense against the attack, but was eventually overwhelmed. He left a description of his assailant, the [[Scribbler]], and the strange wild chalklings that had no shape and reformed when destroyed. Joel spots a chalkling spying on them and gives chase. Its creator turns out to be Melody, who followed them to learn more about the investigation. Inspector Harding begins to suspect that she might be behind the attacks, but Joel vouches for her.
   
 
=== Chapter 17 ===
  
=== Chapter 17 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Shark.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of Nine Point Circles
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Thomas York]]
  +
* [[Jacques Cartier]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Francisco Vásquez de Coronado]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Manuel Estevez]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
  +
  +
;Plot Summary
  +
Joel reads a book about the [[Tower of Nebrask]]. He comes across Professor Fitch reading his report on the census data; Fitch lies about finding something interesting. Melody delivers a summons for Joel to visit the office; on his way, he sees people protesting Rithmatists. Back at the principal's office, Joel asks Exton about him attending Armedius (a fact which surprises Florence). Exton refuses to talk about it. Joel confides his suspicions of Nalizar to Principal York. York agrees that Nalizar is suspicious and reveals that he regrets hiring him. Joel shows York the strange Rithmatic symbol, and York thinks it looks familiar.
   
−
Joel reads a book about the Tower in Nebrask. He went to Professor Fitch's room to find him reading Joel's census reports. Joel knew Fitch was lying. Melody comes to give Joel a letter about his grades. He went outside to find protesters wanting to know if they were safe from the Dusters. Joel goes to the principal's office to find Florence and Exton there. Joel asks Exton about him being in Armedius. He didn't want to talk about it. Principal York calls Joel to come in, and Joel explains how he suspects Nalizar having to do something with the kidnapping. York agreed with Joel and regrets hiring Nalizar.
  
 
=== Chapter 18 ===
  
=== Chapter 18 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Eagle.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of strengths in lines
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Thomas York]]
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
*.[[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]]
  +
* [[Harding]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Trent Saxon]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Stewart]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Gregory III]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel remembers where he found the strange symbols. Melody calls Joel that she found a way to make him a Rithmatist. Joel didn't want to talk to Melody, but he let her come with him. He explains how he saw the symbols in his father's old workshop. He shows her where he used to sleep and all of his memories being in his old house. He explains to Melody why he missed his chance of being a Rithmatist. Melody suggested Joel should try to go to the inception ceremony again. She also wanted to show Professor Fitch the discovery they've made. He explains how Joel's father invented a lot of Rithmatic lines, and how he made special chalks. Mrs. Saxon finds them in the workshop, and she decided to move back there again.
  
  +
Joel finally remembers where he had seen the strange symbol before -- his father's old workshop. On his way to investigate, he runs into Melody, who claims she knows how to make him into a Rithmatist. She convinces him to try to redo his inception ceremony and is confident that it will work this time. They find the symbol among Joel's father's notes and show Professor Fitch. After examining the notes, Fitch explains that Joel's father was convinced that there were more than four types of Rithmatic lines and that he had contracts with multiple Rithmatic academies that would pay him a lot of money if he discovered one. While he did discover one (the mysterious symbol), he was never able to discover the intent of the line, so it never worked. He traveled all over the world in pursuit of his mission, which is how the Saxon family's large debts were incurred. Mrs. Saxon finds them in the workshop and decides that enough time has passed that they can move back in.
   
 
=== Chapter 19 ===
  
=== Chapter 19 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Gator.svg|125px|center]]
−
Article of Types of Chalklings
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Stewart]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]]
  +
* [[Melody]]
  +
*.[[Harding]]
  +
* [[Gregory III]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Roy Stephens]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel sits in church listening to Father Stewart. He looks at the stained windows showing a picture of the Rithmatic lines and the people who've discovered them. Melody tells him to go and ask Father Stewart to make Joel get his inception ceremony again. Melody convinces Father Stewart to let Joel go through the inception.
  
  +
Joel attends a church service presided over by Father Stewart. He studies the stained glass windows showing pictures of the Rithmatic lines and the important historical figures who discovered them. Melody convinces Father Stewart to allow Joel to undergo a second inception ceremony by causing a scene.
   
 
=== Chapter 20 ===
  
=== Chapter 20 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Shiva.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of Binding Chalklings
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Ms. Torrent]]
  +
*.[[Harding]]
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Ahmes]]
  +
* [[Freudland]]
  +
* [[Adam Makings]]
  +
* [[Gregory III]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Virginia]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Thaddius]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Thomas York]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[William Muns]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel reads a chapter about how circles are important in Rithmatics and how man-made discoveries were important in the discovery of Rithmatics. Joel finds something about how King Gregory III found out about Rithmatics with the pocket watch he had, and it saved him from being eaten by the wild chalklings. Melody wanted Joel to come out of the workshop and talk to her. She talks about how a mob of men attacked a couple of Rithmatists for drawing chalklings. She also left to make office deliveries, and told Joel about her being in the Melee. She eventually got the book Joel wanted from Nalizar. Melody didn't want to compete in the Melee. She began to mention about how her parents wouldn't want her to visit over the summer, and how her brother, William Muns, died at Nebrask. Joel figured out Nalizar wasn't as bad as he suspected him to be. Joel then gets a letter from Father Stewart about how he gets another chance at becoming a Rithmatist.
  
  +
Joel reads a book about the history of Rithmatics. He is confused by a mention about a pocket watch saving King Gregory III, the founder of Rithmatics, from an attack by [[Chalkling#Wild Chalklings|wild chalklings]].
  +
  +
Melody tells Joel about an incident where a mob tried to attack a pair of Rithmatist students, who scared off them off using chalklings, an action which would increase tensions. As Professor Fitch's only student, she is being forced to participate in the upcoming [[Melee]], where she is sure she will be humiliated, which will be made worse because her parents will be in attendance. She mentions that her brother, William Muns, died in Nebrask, and defends Professor Nalizar, revealing that he attempted to save her brother. Joel decides that his suspicions of Nalizar must be misplaced.
   
 
=== Chapter 21 ===
  
=== Chapter 21 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Death.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram about Anchoring Defensive Circles with Lines of Forbiddance.
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]]
  +
*.[[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Mary Rowlandson]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Charles Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
  +
  +
;Plot Summary
  +
The night before his inception, Joel is again stricken with insomnia. He can't stop thinking about his potential future as a Rithmatist. He reads a first hand account of a settler whose family was attacked by wild chalklings. He hears a sound outside his window and, upon investigation, discovers the mysterious symbol. He is under attack by the Scribbler!
   
  +
He tries to call for help, but can't, as the mysterious symbol (a [[Rithmatics#Line of Silencing|Line of Silencing]]) is stealing the sound. Unable to defend himself, he tries to run, but finds himself boxed in by Lines of Forbiddance. He determines that the wild chalklings are deterred by the clockwork inside the coin that Melody gave him. He is able to escape to Exton's quarters, who uses his (poor) Rithmatic abilities to ward off the chalklings. Trapped again, Joel manages to escape and run for help from the police and Investigator Harding. The police are able to defeat the remaining wild chalklings and save Exton. Harding tells Joel he is confident he knows who the kidnapper is.
−
Joel couldn't sleep again. He thought about his inception, and about him having to go to Nebrask if he did become a Rithmatist. He went to read a book to help him fall asleep. He finds a diary about a person who survived wild chalklings attacking their homes and eating everyone. Joel heard a sound outside his window. When he went to check if it was a vandal, he found the symbol outside his wall. Joel tried to call for help, but no sound came out of his mouth. He couldn't defend himself, so he tried to escape the swarm of chalklings. He successfully dodges all of the Scribbler's traps and the chalkings. He found out the chalking stayed away from the gears in his coin. He tried to call for help again, and Exton heard him calling. Joel discovers Exton is a Rithmatist, and he went to find patrols to spray the chalklings with acid while Exton boxed himself in the office. Joel successfully survived and destroyed all the chalklings before it got to Exton. He also found out one of the symbols silences out sound.
 
   
 
=== Chapter 22 ===
  
=== Chapter 22 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Rook.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of bouncing Lines of Vigor off of Lines of Forbiddance
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Mrs. Saxon]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
*.[[Thomas York]]
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Stewart]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Charles Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Mary Rowlandson]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Harding arrested Exton. They said he made all of the chalkings and have proof for it. Joel didn't believe them and still believes Exton is innocent. Joel tries to get Exton out of trial. Melody gets mad for Joel not "inviting her when he was getting chased by the chalklings". Melody also thinks Exton is innocent. Joel went to get incepted. As Joel was in the chamber, he doubted if there even was a Master, and if the person from the diary escaped out of luck. He decided to ask the Master to make him into a Rithmatist. Joel turns around to find a chalkling standing. He touches it, and it falls and runs into the altar. Joel didn't become a Rithmatist.
  
  +
The next morning, Inspector Harding arrests Exton. He claims to have proof that Exton was behind the kidnappings and attack on Joel. Joel believes Exton is innocent and Melody agrees.
  +
  +
Later, Joel goes to the inception ceremony. In the chamber of inception, he asks the [[Church of the Monarch|Master]] to make him a Rithmatist. A [[Shadowblaze|strange chalkling]] appears behind him, not attached to any surface. Upon being touched by Joel, the creature falls down and flees. Joel does not become a Rithmatist.
   
 
=== Chapter 23 ===
  
=== Chapter 23 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Turtle.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of the Taylor Defense
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
*.[[Harding]]
  +
* [[Exton L. Pratt]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Manuel Estevez]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Charles Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Herman Libel]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Joel went to his father's desk to feel bad about himself for failing his father's wish of Joel becoming a Rithmatist. Joel went to read the articles on the desk. He found the chalk drawing he saw in the chambers in the article. He found Melody outside his room. She sneaked pass the guard to get to Joel's room. Joel and Melody went to go to tell Fitch about Professor Nalizar being the one behind everything, but Fitch ignored them. When they went back, they found two figures unconscious on the ground. Joel tells Melody to find help while he went into the building to save anyone in the building from the Scribbler. When Joel went inside, he accidentally splashed Nalizar with the bucket of acid. He traps Joel in a box made of Line of Forbiddance for splashing Joel. Then, a swarm of chalklings attacked Nalizar and Joel. Inspector Harding was the Scribbler. Joel tries to escape after the Scribbler uses another mysterious symbol to make Nalizar unconscious from the force. He found Melody's unicorns help Joel escape the box he was trapped in, and they both get trapped in a room. Professor Fitch came to save them both from Harding.
  
  +
After the ceremony, Joel wants to be alone, and heads to his father's workshop. He reads some articles on the desk and discovers a drawing of the same strange being he encountered in the chamber of inception.
  +
  +
Melody sneaks out of her dorm to be with Joel. They go to Professor Fitch to relay their concerns about Professor Nalizar but are rebuffed. Upon their return, they find the guards unconscious. Melody goes to get help while Joel enters the building to fight the Scribbler. He accidentally throws a bucket of acid on Nalizar, who traps him in a box of Lines of Forbiddance in retaliation. The Scribbler, revealed to be Inspector Harding, attacks! Nalizar declares that he followed the creature all the way from Nebrask and begins to fight; however, he is knocked unconscious by a [[Rithmatics#Line of Revocation|Line of Revocation]] (the second mysterious symbol) from the Scribbler. Melody frees Joel from the box and they try to escape, but are cornered by the Scribbler. Fitch arrives to save them.
   
 
=== Chapter 24 ===
  
=== Chapter 24 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Pegasus.svg|125px|center]]
−
Joel's Sketch of the Rithmatic Dorms' second floor that night
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]]
  +
* [[Harding]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
*.[[Herman Libel]]
  +
* [[William Muns]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
}}
   
  +
;Plot Summary
−
Professor Fitch began to draw the Taylor defense to attack Harding. Joel and Melody began to help Fitch destroy all of the chalklings by making a maze like pattern to trap them. Joel told Professor Fitch to run and find a clock to scare the chalklings away. Joel used a bucket of acid to wash away the chalklings while they were frozen in place by the clock. The chalklings began to expand, and they were actually all of the missing victims. Melody reunites with her brother.
  
  +
Professor Fitch uses an elaborate Taylor defense defend himself from Harding. Joel and Melody assist by trapping a third of the attacking chalklings in a maze. Fitch gains the upper hand and subdues Harding using a Line of Revocation. Per Joel's suggestion, Fitch uses a clock to freeze the wild chalklings. Joel throws a bucket of acid to defeat the [[Forgotten]] that was possessing Harding. The wild chalklings then turn into the missing victims of the Scribbler (both at Nebrask and Armedius). Melody is reunited with William.
   
 
=== Chapter 25 ===
  
=== Chapter 25 ===
  +
[[File: Chalkling Dragon.svg|125px|center]]
−
Diagram of the Advanced Easton Defense
  
  +
;Characters
  +
{{columns|
  +
* [[Joel Saxon]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Fitch]] (point of view)
  +
* [[Thomas York]]
  +
* [[Didrich Calloway]]
  +
*.[[Exton L. Pratt]]
  +
* [[Florence]]
  +
* [[Melody Muns]]
  +
* [[William Muns]]
  +
* [[Andrew Nalizar]]
  +
* [[Campbell]]
  +
* [[Hatch]]
  +
* [[Kim]]
  +
* [[Harding]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Lilly Whiting]] (mentioned only)
  +
* [[Charles Calloway]] (mentioned only)
  +
}}
  +
  +
;Plot Summary
  +
Exton is freed and Joel, Melody, Professor Fitch and Professor Nalizar are lauded as heroes.
   
  +
Prior to the start of the Melee, Joel confronts Nalizar. Nalizar reveals that he too is a Forgotten, but convinces Joel that nobody would believe him if he told anyone. Joel realizes that Nalizar likely is counting on his handpicked team winning the Melee and gaining important positions at Nebrask, and then disrupt the defenses in some way. Trying to disrupt this plan, he convinces Exton to allow him to enter the Melee alongside Melody. They work together as a team, inside the same [[Rithmatics#Line of Warding|Line of Warding]]: Joel uses his proficiency with line-drawing to draw their defenses, which Melody traces and activates. Joel's precise line-drawing and strategy, combined with Melody's skill with chalklings, allow them to defeat their competitors, including Nalizar's twelve person team, and win the Melee.
−
Principal York apologizes to Professor Nalizar and Exton. They had a Melee that day, and Melody had to compete in it. She told Joel why she didn't want to compete in the Melee. Professor Nalizar shows his true self, a Forgotten. Joel couldn't do anything about it after declaring Nalizar was innocent in front of everyone. He eventually leaves Joel. He went to Exton to ask if he can be in the Melee, so Nalizar can't make his students do something terrible in Nebrask that will release all of the chalklings. Exton allows Joel, and he helps Melody trace over his lines. The Professors watch the two battle, and are intrigued by it. Joel used the Line of Revocation against an opponent that didn't anchor their circle. Melody and Joel won the Melee, and Joel and Nalizar began to watch each other. Joel vowed to stop Nalizar no matter how many times it'll take him.
  
   
  +
{{summaries|done}}
−
== Notes ==
  
−
<references />
  
−
{{summaries|done|date=?}}
  
 
{{Rithmatist}}
  
{{Rithmatist}}
 
[[Category: The Rithmatist|*1]]
  
[[Category: The Rithmatist|*1]]

Latest revision as of 11:32, 27 September 2023

This page contains a chapter by chapter summary of The Rithmatist. We hope this summary will make it easier to find specific areas of the book, as well as provide a quick plot refresher for anyone who doesn't want to take the time to reread the entire book.

Prologue[edit]

Chalkling Hunter.svg
Characters
Plot Summary

Lilly Whiting -- a Rithmatics student of the Armedius Academy -- is hunted by a mysterious figure that sends chalklings to attack her. She tries hard to defend herself, but fails.

Part 1[edit]

Chapter 1[edit]

Chalkling Knight.svg
Characters
Plot Summary

Joel is sent to run errands for the office. He rushes through his other tasks, saving a message for Rithmatics professor Fitch for last, so he can watch a Rithmatics lecture. When Professor Nalizar shows up to challenge Professor Fitch, Joel watches the duel and witnesses the loss by Fitch and his subsequent demotion.

Chapter 2[edit]

Chalkling Raptor.svg
Characters
Plot Summary

Joel comes back to the office after running his errands tells the clerks, Florence and Exton, about the duel. The clerks discuss the necessity of such traditions.

Because the summer holidays are coming, Joel needs to choose a summer elective. Florence prods him to do so and not miss it, for he would end up in a remedial tutelage if he does. He promises to do it in time.

Chapter 3[edit]

Chalkling DinoThug.svg
Characters
Plot Summary

Joel attends math class. Joel likes math because geometry is the basis of Rithmatics. When Professor Layton comes to check the previous night's assignment, Joel is caught not having completed it. When Professor Layton dismisses the class he tells Joel to stay. Joel quickly realizes that Layton thinks he cheated to get perfect scores on all his tests. Joel proposes completing the assignment in these last few minutes of the class to prove his abilities and starts doing so. The professor assumes Joel already had the answers and draws a new task on the board. Joel solves it very quickly and points out some inaccuracies in the proportions of the drawing. He demonstrates his ability to draw perfect lines and circles by eye and convinces Layton that he already knew what was taught during this term, along with trigonometry and algebra. Layton agrees to pass Joel.

Chapter 4[edit]

Chalkling Bull.svg
Characters
Plot Summary

Outside of the classroom, Joel finds Melody waiting, drawing unicorns in her notebook. She's one of the Rithmatic students in the math class. He is upset that she isn't practicing Rithmatics but she says she wants to spend time doing things that are not related to Rithmatics.

Joel makes his way to a group of students where he hears that a Rithmatic student, Lilly Whiting, is missing. Walking with Davis and Rose they see a federal inspector leave the Principal's office. Federal inspectors have jurisdiction over all sixty islands, and are an unusual sight on campus. Principal Thomas York seems troubled by the visit.

Davis is the only one other student near Joel's age that is a child of a staff member and not a Rithmatist himself. During previous years Joel and Davis spent summer holidays together at the campus. This year, however, Davis has the opportunity to spend holidays with the group that Michael takes to his beach house, which is a great opportunity for Davis's future. When Joel seems disappointed, Davis reminds him that he has never been bullied by the other students. Joel has to admit this is the case, but reflects that he's also frequently excluded.

When Davis and Rose leave to join Michael, Joel looks for a good place to read through Professor Fitch's books. Only when it grows too dark to read does he go to the dining hall for supper. His mother is already there and asks him about his summer elective and whether he's passing this year's classes. He promises that he's working on it.

Chapter 5[edit]

Chalkling Jaguar.svg
Characters
Plot Summary

Joel approaches Professor Fitch, who now has to sit at the far end of the professors' table, with the Rithmatic books. Directed to leave by Professor Nalizar, Joel is surprised when Fitch pretends that he asked him to come. Joel returns the books and hands Professor Fitch his application to be his student for summer elective. Professor Fitch tells him that there are always young men trying to join Rithmatist classes but that this is not possible. He suggests Joel study at another university which is more open to teaching Rithmatics to non-Rithmatists. He denies Joel's request to join his summer elective.

Chapter 6[edit]

Chalkling Bat.svg
Characters
Plot Summary

That night Joel brainstorms other ways of getting assigned to Professor Fitch's summer elective. He decides to fail his Rithmatic history test, hoping that this will cause him to be assigned remedial tutoring with Professor Fitch. Upon handing in his final test (with answers he knows are wrong), Joel is sent to the office. Principal York is about to expel Joel from Armedius when Joel admits that he failed the test on purpose. Hesitant to allow a non-Rithmatist to study with a Rithmatic professor (which goes against tradition), York comes up with a compromise: Joel can be a research assistant to Fitch, who was just assigned a special project by York, provided he can pass his history test. Joel races back to history class and passes his test.

Part 2[edit]

Chapter 7[edit]

Characters
Plot Summary

Next morning Joel makes his way to Professor Fitch who is surprised to get Joel as research assistant but thinks it's a good idea. Joel immediately feels at home in Professor Fitch's office among all the Rithmatic diagrams and books scattered about.

Shortly after Joel's arrival, Professor Fitch's second student arrives: Melody. She has to do a remedial tutelage with Professor Fitch because she failed the basics of Rithmatic lines. She's assigned tracings of Rithmatic diagrams while Joel has to investigate census records identify for all Rithmatists who died in the last twenty years. Though he isn't excited by his assignment, he jumps in anyway. Melody grumbles about her task, musing that she can't even draw perfect circles when tracing. Joel comes to help her and shows her some freehand circles. She asks him whether he would swap tasks with her, despite Professor Fitch sitting next to them.

Chapter 8[edit]

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Joel takes some food to Florence and Exton in an attempt to find out what is going on. He discovers that there is a rumor that Lilly Whiting didn't disappear, but that she was murdered by a Rithmatist.

Chapter 9[edit]

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As Joel researches through the books, he finds Exton in the list of graduates from Armedius. Melody gets sick of tracing, and Fitch decides to teach Melody about keening (anticipating) an opponent. He gives her a lecture about the importance of strategy. Joel and Melody then compete as if they were in a duel. Joel comes out on top and offends Melody by making fun of her poor Rithmatic abilities (although he meant it as lighthearted ribbing).

Chapter 10[edit]

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Joel finishes up work on the census records and takes them to Fitch at Warding Hall. Fitch is distracted when he arrives, showing little interest in the records. Fitch then tells Joel that another Rithmatist student has disappeared, Herman Libel. Joel talks Fitch into letting him help with the actual investigation. They go over the diagrams from Lilly's scene. Inspector Harding arrives and fills them in on Herman, while also providing more sketches.

Chapter 11[edit]

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Joel attempts to research Rithmatic lines in the library, but is not allowed into the Rithmatist section. He makes up with Melody and enlists her to escort him into the restricted section. They spy on Nalizar in the library and Joel is suspicious when he checks out a book on unknown Rithmatic symbols. Afterward, Joel teaches Melody about the Jordan defense, which will highlight her strength (making chalklings) while hiding her weakness (drawing lines).

Chapter 12[edit]

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Parents of Rithmatist students begin pulling their children out of Armedius Academy. Inspector Harding stations police on school grounds and initiates a lockdown of the campus. When Joel mentions his suspicions of Professor Nalizar, Harding reveals that he fought alongside Nalizar at Nebrask and considers him a hero.

Joel invites Melody (who usually eats alone) to eat with him and his mother in the dining hall. Mrs. Saxon talks about Trent, Joel's late father, who was the school's chalkmaker. Joel asks Melody about inception, but Melody refuses to answer, explaining that Rithmatists aren't allowed to talk to non-Rithmatists about the process.

Chapter 13[edit]

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Melody invites Joel out for ice cream, hoping that he'll tell her more about the investigation with Professor Fitch in return for information about the inception ceremony. They get to know one another. Melody describes how being a Rithmatist makes her feel trapped. Joel reveals that the death of his father caused him to miss the standard July 4th inception ceremony. Melody explains some of the theory behind making chalklings after he mentions that he doesn't know much about them. Joel discovers just how poor his family is after learning how much Melody's allowance is. Melody generously gives him money to pay for their date (so he doesn't feel emasculated) and gives him an extra dollar to keep.

Chapter 14[edit]

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Joel and Melody read a newspaper detailing confidential information about the investigation that Joel is working with Professor Fitch on, the exact information that Joel agreed to tell Melody.

Later that night, Joel can't sleep so he wanders to the Rithmatic part of campus. He briefly considers breaking into Professor Nalizar's room to steal a Rithmatics book, but decides against it. Joel seeks out his mother and finds her cleaning the dueling arena. He helps her clean and asks about their money situation. She explains that his father ran up a lot of debt before he died, and that's why they're so poor. She refuses his help paying down the debts, and doesn't want him to worry about them. The next day, it's revealed that another Rithmatic student, Charles Calloway, the son of a knight-senator, has been kidnapped. This time, however, some non-Rithmatists were also killed.

Part 3[edit]

Chapter 15[edit]

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Joel, Professor Fitch and Inspector Harding travel to East Carolina to investigate the crime scene while it's still fresh. Harding reveals that he was at the Calloway estate the previous night, trying to convince Charles's father, Didrich Calloway, that his son would be safer at Armedius than at home. Joel and Fitch discover that the mysterious symbols found at the crime scene are a new type of Rithmatic line.

Chapter 16[edit]

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Inside Charles's room, they find the remains of a large battle. Charles had managed a strong defense against the attack, but was eventually overwhelmed. He left a description of his assailant, the Scribbler, and the strange wild chalklings that had no shape and reformed when destroyed. Joel spots a chalkling spying on them and gives chase. Its creator turns out to be Melody, who followed them to learn more about the investigation. Inspector Harding begins to suspect that she might be behind the attacks, but Joel vouches for her.

Chapter 17[edit]

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Joel reads a book about the Tower of Nebrask. He comes across Professor Fitch reading his report on the census data; Fitch lies about finding something interesting. Melody delivers a summons for Joel to visit the office; on his way, he sees people protesting Rithmatists. Back at the principal's office, Joel asks Exton about him attending Armedius (a fact which surprises Florence). Exton refuses to talk about it. Joel confides his suspicions of Nalizar to Principal York. York agrees that Nalizar is suspicious and reveals that he regrets hiring him. Joel shows York the strange Rithmatic symbol, and York thinks it looks familiar.

Chapter 18[edit]

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Joel finally remembers where he had seen the strange symbol before -- his father's old workshop. On his way to investigate, he runs into Melody, who claims she knows how to make him into a Rithmatist. She convinces him to try to redo his inception ceremony and is confident that it will work this time. They find the symbol among Joel's father's notes and show Professor Fitch. After examining the notes, Fitch explains that Joel's father was convinced that there were more than four types of Rithmatic lines and that he had contracts with multiple Rithmatic academies that would pay him a lot of money if he discovered one. While he did discover one (the mysterious symbol), he was never able to discover the intent of the line, so it never worked. He traveled all over the world in pursuit of his mission, which is how the Saxon family's large debts were incurred. Mrs. Saxon finds them in the workshop and decides that enough time has passed that they can move back in.

Chapter 19[edit]

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Joel attends a church service presided over by Father Stewart. He studies the stained glass windows showing pictures of the Rithmatic lines and the important historical figures who discovered them. Melody convinces Father Stewart to allow Joel to undergo a second inception ceremony by causing a scene.

Chapter 20[edit]

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Joel reads a book about the history of Rithmatics. He is confused by a mention about a pocket watch saving King Gregory III, the founder of Rithmatics, from an attack by wild chalklings.

Melody tells Joel about an incident where a mob tried to attack a pair of Rithmatist students, who scared off them off using chalklings, an action which would increase tensions. As Professor Fitch's only student, she is being forced to participate in the upcoming Melee, where she is sure she will be humiliated, which will be made worse because her parents will be in attendance. She mentions that her brother, William Muns, died in Nebrask, and defends Professor Nalizar, revealing that he attempted to save her brother. Joel decides that his suspicions of Nalizar must be misplaced.

Chapter 21[edit]

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The night before his inception, Joel is again stricken with insomnia. He can't stop thinking about his potential future as a Rithmatist. He reads a first hand account of a settler whose family was attacked by wild chalklings. He hears a sound outside his window and, upon investigation, discovers the mysterious symbol. He is under attack by the Scribbler!

He tries to call for help, but can't, as the mysterious symbol (a Line of Silencing) is stealing the sound. Unable to defend himself, he tries to run, but finds himself boxed in by Lines of Forbiddance. He determines that the wild chalklings are deterred by the clockwork inside the coin that Melody gave him. He is able to escape to Exton's quarters, who uses his (poor) Rithmatic abilities to ward off the chalklings. Trapped again, Joel manages to escape and run for help from the police and Investigator Harding. The police are able to defeat the remaining wild chalklings and save Exton. Harding tells Joel he is confident he knows who the kidnapper is.

Chapter 22[edit]

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The next morning, Inspector Harding arrests Exton. He claims to have proof that Exton was behind the kidnappings and attack on Joel. Joel believes Exton is innocent and Melody agrees.

Later, Joel goes to the inception ceremony. In the chamber of inception, he asks the Master to make him a Rithmatist. A strange chalkling appears behind him, not attached to any surface. Upon being touched by Joel, the creature falls down and flees. Joel does not become a Rithmatist.

Chapter 23[edit]

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After the ceremony, Joel wants to be alone, and heads to his father's workshop. He reads some articles on the desk and discovers a drawing of the same strange being he encountered in the chamber of inception.

Melody sneaks out of her dorm to be with Joel. They go to Professor Fitch to relay their concerns about Professor Nalizar but are rebuffed. Upon their return, they find the guards unconscious. Melody goes to get help while Joel enters the building to fight the Scribbler. He accidentally throws a bucket of acid on Nalizar, who traps him in a box of Lines of Forbiddance in retaliation. The Scribbler, revealed to be Inspector Harding, attacks! Nalizar declares that he followed the creature all the way from Nebrask and begins to fight; however, he is knocked unconscious by a Line of Revocation (the second mysterious symbol) from the Scribbler. Melody frees Joel from the box and they try to escape, but are cornered by the Scribbler. Fitch arrives to save them.

Chapter 24[edit]

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Professor Fitch uses an elaborate Taylor defense defend himself from Harding. Joel and Melody assist by trapping a third of the attacking chalklings in a maze. Fitch gains the upper hand and subdues Harding using a Line of Revocation. Per Joel's suggestion, Fitch uses a clock to freeze the wild chalklings. Joel throws a bucket of acid to defeat the Forgotten that was possessing Harding. The wild chalklings then turn into the missing victims of the Scribbler (both at Nebrask and Armedius). Melody is reunited with William.

Chapter 25[edit]

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Exton is freed and Joel, Melody, Professor Fitch and Professor Nalizar are lauded as heroes.

Prior to the start of the Melee, Joel confronts Nalizar. Nalizar reveals that he too is a Forgotten, but convinces Joel that nobody would believe him if he told anyone. Joel realizes that Nalizar likely is counting on his handpicked team winning the Melee and gaining important positions at Nebrask, and then disrupt the defenses in some way. Trying to disrupt this plan, he convinces Exton to allow him to enter the Melee alongside Melody. They work together as a team, inside the same Line of Warding: Joel uses his proficiency with line-drawing to draw their defenses, which Melody traces and activates. Joel's precise line-drawing and strategy, combined with Melody's skill with chalklings, allow them to defeat their competitors, including Nalizar's twelve person team, and win the Melee.

This meta article is complete, but has yet to be reviewed.
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