English literature:
The open window:
In Saki's "The Open Window," Framton Nuttel, seeking to cure his nerves, is tricked by the self-possessed Vera, who tells him a fabricated story about her aunt's husband and brothers' death on a hunting trip, leading to Framton's panicked departure when they return.
In William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," a group of Roman senators, fearing Caesar's growing power, conspire to assassinate him, leading to a civil war and the downfall of the conspirators, including Caesar's friend Brutus.