Structure

Duty is divided into fifteen numbered chapters of varying lengths. Each chapter has a title that is descriptive of the topic or topics it covers, and most have a few subheadings to break up the text into more specific topics. The book is a memoir so the author writes in the first person, describing his experiences from his own point of view and occasionally quoting another individual or media story. He also includes several excerpts from speeches, memos, or other documents where appropriate.

In addition to the narrative, the book contains a total of seventy-five photographs and plates divided into two sections. Most depict the book's author in his capacity as Secretary of State during the years 2006 to 2011.

Perspective

Tone