Point of View

Ann Leckie tells her novel Ancillary Justice in the first-person reflective-omniscient perspective from the point of view of main character, Breq. The novel comprises the account of Breq relating to her mission of revenge against the Lord of the Radch. Given her unique perspective and quest, the first-person narrative mode allows the reader intimate access to Breq’s mind as she endeavors to fulfill her revenge. The reader is treated to the inner-workings of Breq’s mind, and the feelings of her heart as she continues to adapt to exercising free will. For example, the reader notes in Chapter 1 that Breq questions her moral inclination to help Vendaai although Vendaai means nothing to her personally. Breq’s rational questioning of her moral choice is demonstrative of her free will – and her marveling and wondering at it. At other places in the novel, Breq’s considerations...