A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin – Detailed Summary and Analysis
Overview
A Kiss Before Dying is a psychological thriller written by Ira Levin and published in 1953.
The novel is structured into three parts, each focusing on a different phase of the
protagonist’s calculated schemes. The story revolves around a manipulative and
ambitious young man who will stop at nothing—including murder—to achieve wealth
and success.
Main Characters
• The Protagonist (Unnamed initially, later revealed as Bud Corliss) – A
charming but sociopathic young man who is obsessed with wealth and social
status. He is manipulative, cunning, and ruthless.
• Dorothy "Dorie" Kingship – A naïve, trusting young woman who falls in love with
Bud and becomes pregnant with his child.
• Ellen Kingship – Dorothy’s intelligent and determined sister who investigates
her sister’s death.
• Marion Kingship – The eldest Kingship sister, more reserved than Ellen.
• Leo Kingship – A wealthy and powerful businessman, father of Dorothy, Ellen,
and Marion.
• Gordon Gant – A journalist who helps Ellen uncover the truth about her sister’s
death.
Summary by Chapters
Part One: Dorothy
1. Bud Corliss is a college student who has been dating Dorothy Kingship, the
daughter of a wealthy businessman. He sees her as his ticket to financial
security. When she tells him she is pregnant, he realizes that this could ruin his
chances of marrying into her family’s wealth, as her father is conservative and
would likely disown her. Bud begins plotting ways to get rid of the pregnancy—
without jeopardizing his relationship with the Kingship fortune.
Overview
A Kiss Before Dying is a psychological thriller written by Ira Levin and published in 1953.
The novel is structured into three parts, each focusing on a different phase of the
protagonist’s calculated schemes. The story revolves around a manipulative and
ambitious young man who will stop at nothing—including murder—to achieve wealth
and success.
Main Characters
• The Protagonist (Unnamed initially, later revealed as Bud Corliss) – A
charming but sociopathic young man who is obsessed with wealth and social
status. He is manipulative, cunning, and ruthless.
• Dorothy "Dorie" Kingship – A naïve, trusting young woman who falls in love with
Bud and becomes pregnant with his child.
• Ellen Kingship – Dorothy’s intelligent and determined sister who investigates
her sister’s death.
• Marion Kingship – The eldest Kingship sister, more reserved than Ellen.
• Leo Kingship – A wealthy and powerful businessman, father of Dorothy, Ellen,
and Marion.
• Gordon Gant – A journalist who helps Ellen uncover the truth about her sister’s
death.
Summary by Chapters
Part One: Dorothy
1. Bud Corliss is a college student who has been dating Dorothy Kingship, the
daughter of a wealthy businessman. He sees her as his ticket to financial
security. When she tells him she is pregnant, he realizes that this could ruin his
chances of marrying into her family’s wealth, as her father is conservative and
would likely disown her. Bud begins plotting ways to get rid of the pregnancy—
without jeopardizing his relationship with the Kingship fortune.
