Who is Lucas Davenport? Why is Lucas depressed when the novel begins? What happened during a previous case that accounts for his depression? What does Lucas do to treat his depression? Why does Lucas refuse to see a doctor about the depression? Why do you think the author chose to write about depression in this novel? How does Lucas eventually beat his symptoms? Is the reader left with the impression that Lucas's depression is gone for good? Explain.

Who is Carlo Druze? Why does Druze kill Stephanie Bekker? What does Druze expect to receive in return for this act? Does he? Why does Druze continue killing for Michael Bekker? What does Druze want from Bekker? Why does Druze turn to Bekker the way he does? Is there a flaw in Druze's personality that draws him to someone like Bekker? Is Druze a victim in...