The Image of a Hero

Richard Jury is, in all ways that count, a hero. He is not only one of Scotland Yard's finest detectives, he also exhibits all the traits of a true hero. His kindness to others is chief among those and there are many instances of this trait. For example, there is an older woman who lives in his building who reports she is being pursued. Jury knows this is an imaginary pursuer, conjured up from the woman's fear and memories of the horrors of World War II, but he doesn't dismiss her claims. He patiently takes down descriptions and his caring attitude makes it possible for her to begin living a more normal life with something less than total terror.

Jury's attitude toward children is another exemplary trait. He visits relatives just before Christmas and admits that the children of the family recognize him as...