1. Why does Colfer characterize Artemis Fowl as an extraordinary genius? How would the plot have been plausible if he had been less intelligent?

2. How are the disappearance of the senior Artemis Fowl and illness of Angeline Fowl essential for plot development?

3. In what ways is Butler a surrogate father to Artemis?

4. What rules control Artemis and Captain Holly Short and their respective allies? How do they work around these restrictions?

5. How are Holly and Juliet similar? How does Colfer humanize the magical creatures and dehumanize Mud People?

6. How do the exotic locales Artemis and Butler visit influence their characterization as devious, greedy people? In what ways does Colfer perpetuate stereotypes of Third World places and people?

7. What are Artemis's weaknesses? How does he overcome his vulnerabilities and outsmart his enemies?

8. How does Artemis seem older than his age and wiser than adults? In what...