Tango Charlie and Foxtrot Romeo resembles a tragic drama in which the plot leads inevitably to catastrophe (usually death) for the main character.

Although Bach does not die, her efforts end in disaster. Like a tragedy, Varley's novel is plotted in movements in which certain elements dominate.

Tango Charlie and Foxtrot Romeo is first a mystery story in which Bach and others try to learn the truth about who is on the space station; then a moral story in which characters are ethically tested by the plight of the girl; and finally a suspense story in which the protagonists struggle to save Charlie from certain death. Each movement reveals different aspects of the characters. For instance, in the mystery movement, Bach demonstrates her quick mind; in the moral movement, she reveals a depth of emotions that have not been expressed through her shallow love life; and in the...