The Reader · written by David Hare · 2008

After sex, Michael asks Hanna’s name; she eventually tells him, and asks his in return.

Scene 31 of 196 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Michael
Hanna

Act oneAct two

Begins 12 min into a 1:21 film

The story so farBefore scene 31

As a law student, Michael sees Hanna, his former lover, on trial for war crimes and must face the secret that shaped their teenage relationship.

Scenes 1–6
In 1995, Michael prepares breakfast for Brigitte, then is alone in his apartment and looks out the window.
Scenes 7–24
The sick schoolboy Michael accepts Hanna’s help and returns to her.
Scene 25
After returning to Hanna’s apartment, Michael bathes with her and they begin their affair.
Just before
Scene 28
Michael hurries up to Hanna’s apartment and pushes open its ajar door.
Scene 29
Michael rushes into Hanna’s apartment and has sex with her; she reminds him the encounter is not only about him.
Scene 30
Hanna guides Michael’s hands and leads their lovemaking, reaching orgasm as he watches.
Scene 31
This scene

31INT. HANNA’S APARTMENT. DAY

HANNA has fallen asleep on MICHAEL’S chest. He is awake, looking at the birthmark on her left shoulder. The sound of the wood yard below. He kisses the birthmark. She stirs.

MICHAEL

What’s your name?

She opens her eyes. A look of suspicion.

HANNA

What?

MICHAEL

Your name.

HANNA

Why do you want to know?

MICHAEL

I’ve been here three times. You

haven’t told me your name.

MICHAEL waits a moment.

HANNA

It’s Hanna. What’s yours, kid?

MICHAEL

Michael.

HANNA

Michael. Hmm. So I’m with a

Michael.

HANNA smiles, as if there were something funny about it.

MICHAEL

‘Hanna’.