The following version of this story was used to create the guide: Saunders, George. "Ghoul." The New Yorker, 2020.

George Saunders’s short story “Ghoul” takes place in a dystopian society. In this unfamiliar narrative world, characters live underground in a place referred to as the Region. Through Brian’s first person narrative lens, the reader gradually orients herself to the distortions and violence that define this world.

Brian is thrilled to be going on Break Week. He and the other players in the Maws of Hell workhouse always learn new things about each other during these vacation periods. They are even allowed to go to the Room, an elaborate space designed for relaxing and fun. While in the Room, they are also allowed to mingle with players from their sister workhouses.

Towards the end of the first day of Break, Brian is surprised to see his married friend Tom having sex with another fellow player named Gwen. He bids them a friendly hello, not wanting to upset the rules of politeness. Shortly thereafter, Tom confronts Brian. He explains why his marriage is not going well. His wife has been obsessively practicing for her role in Victorian Weekend, which he thinks is unnecessary. Though they are all constantly told they are practicing their parts in preparation for the Visitors' impending arrival, Tom doubts this is true. Brian is shocked. Tom has just uttered a Regrettable Falsehood, and he knows he is supposed to report Tom.

Brian wanders around trying to decide what to do. Then someone gives him a letter from Tom. In the letter, Tom begs Brian not to turn him in. Subdued, Brian retreats to his Sleep Slot for the rest of the night.

The next day, Monitoring Assistant Amy confronts Brian for not reporting Tom. Because she has had a crush on Brian since childhood, she blows her whistle on Tom instead of Brian. Everyone gathers and kicks Tom to death for betraying the Team. Brian feels guilty, but is thankful to be alive.

He and Amy spend the night together. By morning their feelings have increased. Once back outside Brian's niche, they discover their world darkened and filled with water. Suddenly bolstered by their newfound affection for each other, they whisper lies about the incident, calling it an outage and a flood. Gwen overhears them, and moves to report them. Amy blows her whistle just in time, and accuses Gwen of telling a lie. The group kicks Gwen to death.

Amy and Brian worry their relationship is compromising their ability to behave appropriately. Brian feels confused. He wants a good and happy life, but it does not seem possible.

Not long after his friend Rolph is kicked to death for uttering falsehoods of his own, Rolph's son gives Brian a letter from his father. In the letter, Rolph reveals a secret he has been guarding for nearly 30 years. When he was a restless teenager, he explored the Region, discovering the truth. They have all been locked underground for years. The lives they live are a lie. There is a concrete ceiling closing them inside.

Brian is amazed. Suddenly his whole world has shifted. He is excited that he finally knows the truth. Though he is aware that broadcasting Rolph's letter will result in his own death, Brian decides he must share new knowledge. Perhaps his act of bravery will inspire a better, more hopeful future.