And a man has to know the truth and act accordingly – that's only right.
-- Ptolemy (Afterward)

Importance: In the afterward, appearing at the forefront of the novel, the author presents a letter that Ptolemy will write to Robyn in the hours before confront Alfred about Reggie's murder. Throughout the letter, Ptolemy expresses his love for Robyn and his hope that his efforts to clarify the past will grant her a more comfortable future. In this passage, Ptolemy endeavors to express his reasons for confronting and killing Alfred. Although the reader has yet to learn the details of Ptolemy's past or present lives, this moment foreshadows Ptolemy's physical, mental, and emotional journeys throughout the course of the entire novel. Indeed, Ptolemy's attempts to alter his circumstances, to provide for Robyn, and to avenge Reggie are all inspired by his search for the truth. Discovering the truth of what happened to his great-grandnephew in turn...