1. At the beginning, Joseph is a new friend for Nick. How does he compare to Livingstone and Parker?

2. The dark, unsettled Marsh troubles Nick throughout the novel (Chapters 1 and 2, for example). How is the Marsh described in the novel? How do these descriptions work to support themes?

3. What sort of character is Ruth?

Why does Ruth agree to let Nick play her game with Joseph?

4. Why is Nick disappointed when he finds out the character of Zephaniah (Chapter 6)?

5. How does Terry's note persuade Nick to get information about the Fishers for The Company (Chapter 6)?

What does this reveal about how grown-up Nick is at this point?

6. Nick plays a game with little Thomas to obtain secret information for The Company (Chapter 8). How does Nick justify doing this? Do you agree with Nick?

7. Why is Nick right to choose slingshots and trust the Nightwalker, according...