Point of View

The story is written in third person but is limited to Kate's perspective. This method is probably necessary because it gives the author the ability to build suspense and to keep specific facts secret until the moment of revealing. A prime example of this is seen when Kate meets Christopher for the first time. Kate's attention is captured by Christopher's aloof manner and his dress. It seems that he pays a great deal of attention to style and that he couldn't care less what others think of him. In reality, he's punishing himself for what he believes to be his role in the death of his niece. Christopher's aloof manner appears more openly when his brother is present and at other times, Christopher leaves the castle and lives in near-abject poverty, a method of punishing himself for the moment he believes cost the life of his...