Conrad Metcalf

Conrad Metcalf is the novel’s narrator and protagonist. He is a private inquisitor, meaning he has a license from the government that allows him to ask questions and investigate crimes. He used to be a government inquisitor, but he left the government after becoming disillusioned with its totalitarian nature. He appears to have no significant relationships in his life, such as friends, family, or lovers. He enjoys his work and is ultimately motivated by a desire to discover truth and justice. He appears to be heavily based on Philip Marlowe, a character created by author Raymond Chandler. Metcalf becomes interested in the murder of Maynard Stanhunt because Stanhunt was a recent client of his. However, Metcalf mostly desires to solve the case in order to pursue truth and justice, and to save Orton Angwine, a seemingly innocent man who has been arrested for the murder. As...