Point of View

Roses are Red is written in the first person. Literature written in the first person draws the reader into the story. The author further captivates the reader by beginning the book with an action scene. Roses are Red opens with a crime scene and introduces the novel's villain who calls himself the Mastermind. Much is learned about the characters' thoughts through dialogue. Alex shares his thoughts and feelings in conversations with others. The only time the reader learns of events without dialogue is by a review of the past; for example, Christine's kidnapping the previous year.

Setting

Roses are Red is set in the present day United States. Alex resides in Washington DC. Through conversations between Alex and his family, the reader learns that Washington DC has crime and the neighborhoods can be rough. One also learns that despite this atmosphere, Alex has made a home...