Appearances

Not one person in this novel is as he appears to be. The double agents and betrayers of the novel need a false face in order to successfully undermine the government of the United States. Talbot looks loyal enough to have survived as a well-respected intelligence officer, yet he is not. In fact, three men within the intelligence community appear to be protect this country but have spent their careers sabotaging it. Patrick O'Brien appears infallible. Henry Kimberly appears to be dead. Neither illusion is supported by reality. Thorpe looks loyal, but is not. In fact, he is a long-term betrayer of the United States and a cold-blooded killer of his own friends and colleagues.

Illusions characterize the many protagonists in the novel as well. Similarly to the villains, the protagonists use their appearances to manipulate situations to their favor. Nicholas West appears meek and timorous, yet he...