To determine the number of straight lines needed to construct the given figure, we must methodically count each distinct line segment without missing any or counting any twice.

Let's break down the figure and count the lines step-by-step:

1. Identify the boundary of the larger rectangle: There are 4 boundary lines.
2. Identify the diagonal lines within the rectangle: There are 2 diagonal lines.
3. Observe the lines forming the internal structure (each triangle and potential verticals/horizontals):
   • Central vertical lines: 2 lines.
   • Horizontal line dividing the internal areas: 1 line.
   • Lines forming the triangle above: 3 lines (base and two sides).
   • Two main lines from the bottom corners towards the top rectangle (creating triangles and quadrilaterals): 2 lines.
4. Additional diagonal lines inside smaller shapes: 3 lines to complete the interior structure.

By summing these, we get: \(4 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 3 = 17\).

The total number of straight lines required to form the entire figure is 17.

Therefore, the correct answer is: 17.