The Midnight Visitor Class 10 English Chapter 3 CBSE Notes 2025-26

Main Characters

• Ausable – A secret agent based in Paris, who looks and acts very differently from the stereotypical spy. He is clever, calm, and masters the art of deception.
• Fowler – A young writer interested in thrilling spy stories, who visits Ausable hoping for an adventure.
• Max – Another secret agent, slender and fox-like, who carries a pistol and aims to steal an important report from Ausable.

Key Points of the Plot

• Fowler follows Ausable to his hotel room, feeling disappointed at the lack of adventure.
• Ausable reassures Fowler that soon something exciting will happen, indicating the arrival of a secret paper.
• As they enter the room, Fowler gets a thrill when they see Max inside, holding a pistol.
• Max wants to steal a report about new missiles, assuming it is safer with him.
• Ausable acts annoyed and claims the entry was possible through the balcony, cleverly making up a story about frequent intruders.

Ausable’s Clever Trick

Ausable shows exceptional presence of mind. He invents a story about a balcony under his window that is supposedly used by intruders. When Max questions this, Ausable replies it’s connected to an unused apartment, explaining how it could be accessed. His convincing manner and details make Max trust him completely.

Soon, a knock at the door scares Max. Ausable pretends it is the police, claiming he arranged extra security because of the sensitive document. This heightens Max's panic. Max decides to hide on the fictitious balcony until the "police" leave, threatening to shoot if anyone tries to follow.

As Max tries to climb out the window, convinced by Ausable’s tale, the reality is revealed: there is no balcony at all. Max tragically falls, showing how completely he was fooled by Ausable’s calm deception.

Important Themes

• The misleading appearances of people – Ausable does not fit the image of a secret agent, yet he is highly intelligent and resourceful.
• Presence of mind and quick thinking – Ausable’s calm under pressure saves his life and that of Fowler.
• Deception as a tool – Both in espionage and in everyday life, clever words and confidence can win over brute force or threats.

Key Vocabulary

• Romantic – Imaginative; having a fantastic view of reality.
• Passably – Tolerably well; just enough.
• Espionage – The practice of spying or using spies.
• Sloppy – Carelessly dressed.
• Prosaic – Ordinary, not exciting.
• Chuckled – Laughed quietly.
• Wheezed – Spoke while breathing noisily and heavily.
• Missiles – Weapons directed by remote control or automatically.
• Shrilly – In a high-pitched, piercing manner.

Discussion Points

• Contrast between fictional and real-life secret agents: The difference in appearance and lifestyle between the classic image of agents (like James Bond or Sherlock Holmes) and Ausable.
• How Ausable’s detailed, logical storytelling convinced Max there was a balcony, turning what could have been a dangerous situation to his advantage.
• The timing of Ausable’s plan: Was it made up on the spot or prepared in advance? The story hints that he was extremely quick-witted, acting as events unfolded.

Sample Questions for Practice

1. What makes Ausable so different from traditional secret agents in literature or films?
2. Describe how Ausable uses his quick wit to get rid of Max. Explain how the fake balcony played a role in Max's actions.
3. List situations from your own life or stories where 'presence of mind' helped to avoid trouble or danger.
4. How does the story show that clever thinking can be more effective than physical strength?

Checklist: Things to Remember for Exams

• Recognize the unique characteristics of each main character, especially Ausable.
• Understand the sequence of events that led to Max being fooled.
• Be ready to discuss the theme of presence of mind in detail.
• Use examples from the story to show Ausable’s intelligence.
• Remember the conclusion: the “police” was only a waiter, and there never was a balcony.

Suggested Readings

• ‘After Twenty Years’ by O. Henry – another story about clever tricks and surprises.
• ‘The Stolen Bacillus’ by H.G. Wells – a tale involving intelligence and suspense.
• ‘The Face on the Wall’ by E.V. Lucas – explores unexpected twists and mysteries.

Class 10 English Chapter 3 Notes – Footprints Without Feet: The Midnight Visitor Key Points

These Class 10 English Chapter 3 revision notes offer a clear summary of "The Midnight Visitor," highlighting important concepts, themes, and character traits. With easy-to-read points and vocabulary support, students can quickly grasp the main story elements and prepare efficiently for exams.

Use these Footprints Without Feet Chapter 3 notes to strengthen your understanding of characters like Ausable and Max, as well as the importance of presence of mind in tricky situations. Ideal for fast revision, these notes guide you through the storyline and key learnings in simple language.