Point of View

The author's perspective is a combination of third person omniscient and first person throughout, and this is critical to the impact of the plot. If only events and characters marched through the rising action, the reader would be unable to understand the reasons for the myriad of complex events and incidents. Indeed, by allowing the reader to know the innermost thoughts of each character, as he or she plays a part in one or more of the subplots, Clancy guarantees an understanding of how and why the actions occur, giving far more credibility to the unfolding of events and the potential of them occurring outside the realm of fiction. As each major character unfolds and evolves, moreover, moving into the first person becomes essential so that one receives a comprehensive portrayal of thoughts, emotions, and thinking processes. One is able to gain significant insight into the...