- The story opens with a barber at work, preparing the tools he will need to give a customer a shave.
- The barber's assistant tells him that the customer is a rebel awaiting execution.
Rising action:
- The barber goes to work and begins to lather the man's face for shaving.
- As the barber works, he considers whether he should report the rebel to the authorities and collect the reward.
- The rebel begins to talk about his life and his beliefs, and the barber is increasingly drawn to him and his cause.
Climax:
- The moment comes when the barber must decide whether to reveal the rebel's identity or not.
- The barber chooses not to betray the rebel and completes his shave in silence.
Falling action:
- The barber and the rebel exchange a few more words, and then the rebel is taken away to be executed.
- The barber is left to reflect on his actions and the implications of his choice.
Resolution:
- The story ends with the barber feeling a sense of peace knowing he made the right decision.