Henry Perowne

Henry Perowne is the novel’s protagonist. He is a 48-year-old neurosurgeon who lives in London. He is a generally kind man who loves his wife and children very much. The main narrative follows a single day in Henry’s life on February 15, 2003. In the morning, he witnesses a burning airplane heading for Heathrow Airport, and he worries that it is a terrorist attack. However, news reports later confirm that it was a non-fatal mechanical problem, and Henry feels somewhat embarrassed regarding his fear. Later in the day, when Henry has an encounter with a violent criminal named Baxter, Henry notices symptoms of a degenerative brain disease in Baxter, and Henry uses this information to aid his escape.

In the evening, when Baxter breaks into Henry’s house and threatens Henry’s family, henry feels ashamed and responsible. Henry feels like he abused his professional skills earlier...