Point of View

Dennis Lehane tells his novel “The Drop” from the third-person omniscient perspective. The third-person perspective allows Lehane to follow the actions of more than just one character, and allows extensive background information about certain characters – such as Eric Deeds and Cousin Marv – which further adds to the plot, for it enables their characters to be three-dimensional, rather than merely flat characters. The omniscient aspect of the third-person not only allows detailed information into the characters, but into the plot as well. For example, early on, it becomes apparent to the reader that Marv is actually the mastermind behind the robbery, whereas this information only becomes apparent to Bob and the Chechens at the very end of the novel.

Language and Meaning

Dennis Lehane tells his novel “The Drop” using language that is simple, brutal, and at times, poetic and deep. The characters in the novel...