Adolescent suicide is an important problem. Given ethical considerations, it is difficult to obtain data regarding the suicidal thinking of "normal" adolescents. To collect data concerning suicidal thinking without directly introducing the topic of suicide, 217 tenth through twelfth graders, divided equally according to sex, grade, and urban versus rural residence, recorded three responses they felt a character in an adverse life circumstance would be thinking about doing. Next, they were asked if they had ever thought about or done any of their three projected responses. Results showed that 60 percent of the subjects projected suicide onto the character. Of those projecting suicide, 55 percent indicated they had personally thought about suicide. Of the 130 subjects who projected suicide, 7 reported engaging in suicidal behaviors. Twice as many females as males projected suicide, suggesting that females were less reluctant to report suicidal thinking. Common circumstances associated with suicidal thinking were emotional problems (i.e., depression), and family, or peer problems. Suicidal thoughts occurred most often in grades 7 through 9, with a drop in frequency thereafter. Racial differences and modifications in scenarios designed to increase the subjects' identification with the characters in them might be considerations in future research. (Author/BH)