Point of View

“The Leftovers” by Tom Perrotta is written in the third person omniscient. From this perspective, the reader is able to learn the thoughts, doubts, motivations, fears and intentions of multiple characters. For example, the reader understands that Kevin Garvey, the Mayor of Mapleton, puts on a brave face in the wake of the missing, the disruption in his own family and the homicides of three people. The reader also learns of his attraction to a young girl - which he tries to fight - and his doubts about his appeal to other women. Using this perspective in this story is crucial since the reactions to the same event were so diverse.

Jill Garvey, Kevin’s teenage daughter, is going through a rebellious period following the abandonment by her mother. Although she has shaved her head, has let her grades decline and is engaging in drinking...