Part 1: The Kidnapping and Initial Demands: This section introduces the wealthy, somewhat dysfunctional, Cabot family. Their son, Matt, is kidnapped, and the family receives a ransom note with unusual demands – not just money, but a series of seemingly impossible tasks. The police are involved, but the family is largely left to negotiate with the kidnapper on their own, leading to intense family stress and suspicion. We are introduced to the key players and the initial stakes.
Part 2: Completing the Tasks: This section focuses on the Cabot family's frantic attempts to fulfill the kidnapper's bizarre demands. Each task increases the tension and risk, forcing the family to confront their own secrets and vulnerabilities. Suspicion and paranoia grow amongst the family members, creating internal conflict as intense as the external threat of the kidnapping. The family's actions reveal a lot about their relationships and personalities.
Part 3: The Revelation and Resolution: This section unveils the identity of the kidnapper and their motives. The shocking truth behind the kidnapping is revealed, which is far more complex and deeply rooted in the family's history than initially apparent. The final confrontation and resolution are emotionally charged and ultimately deal with the aftermath of the trauma and the need for family reconciliation (or lack thereof).
In essence, *Ransom* isn't structured around chapters with distinct plot points within each. The story builds suspense and tension gradually, revealing the mystery of the kidnapper and the family's internal struggles in a continuous flow. The three parts above represent the major shifts in the narrative focus.