Point of View

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is told from the point of view of a third-person narrator. The narrator is omniscient and reliable, providing factual information and descriptions through lengthy expository passages. The narrator also provides background and historical information about the two main characters, Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, but the information about Salander is, in many cases, somewhat sketchy and designed to be mysterious and intriguing. Insights into the thought process of the characters is frequently provided for Blomkvist and Salander, but only occasionally for other characters.

The book includes an appropriate balance between exposition and dialogue between various characters. The author also provides many examples of Salander's inner dialogue, giving the reader valuable insights into her complex thought process, unique system of reasoning, and ability to justify even her most questionable choices and actions.

Setting

The book is set almost entirely in modern-day...