The Perfect Murder by J. Archer is a short story that narrates a creative and complex problem-solving process by the main characters Victor and Joan, who plan and execute a perfect murder to get rid of Victor's despised wife. Analyzing the behavior of the characters on the topic of problem-solving, one can find several key elements that guide their actions. Firstly, Victor and Joan demonstrate a high level of analytical skills and creativity while solving the problem of how to kill Victor's wife without being caught. Throughout the story, they assess different scenarios, plan the murder in detail, and execute it in a way that eliminates any possibility of suspicion. For instance, they first analyze the location of the murder, the weapons to be used, and the type of poison that will ensure a slow and difficult-to-track death. Then, they carefully plan their alibis to avoid any suspicion, and they even leave some physical evidence that will confuse the police. Secondly, Victor and Joan exhibit a high degree of motivation to solve the problem of getting rid of Victor's wife. Victor suffers from a bitter and unhappy marriage, and he sees killing his wife as the only way out of his misery. Joan, who is in love with Victor, is highly motivated to help him achieve his goal. This motivation leads them to display a great amount of determination, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Thirdly, the characters display a lack of empathy and moral values, which guides their behavior during the problem-solving process. Victor sees his wife as a hindrance to his happiness and cares little about her feelings or the consequences of killing her. Joan is willing to help Victor despite knowing that murder is morally wrong. This lack of empathy and moral values seems to be a common trait among people who engage in criminal activities and affects their problem-solving strategies. In conclusion, analyzing the behavior of the main characters in The Perfect Murder in the context of problem-solving provides valuable insights into the psychology and motivations of those who engage in crime. Victor and Joan's analytical and creative problem-solving process, motivation, and lack of empathy highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of criminal behavior. It also shows the negative impacts of the lack of empathy and moral values on society and the importance of instilling these values from a young age.