Along with its attention to moral choices, Deadman Switch is a surprisingly strong study of character. This occurs through its close focus on Gilead Raca Benedar's emotions and actions. As a man of faith working in a commercial realm, he calms himself with "ritual thoughts" drawn from scripture. Later in the book they function as his conscience as well, sometimes reflecting his inner arguments as one scriptural passage conflicts with another. His skill in reading other people is a sharply limited paranormal ability, and it does not give him any special insight into their long range plans or personality patterns. It is almost as much of a burden as a boon.

Many people believe it more powerful than it is, and view him suspiciously.

Finally, the sense of moral conviction that drives him to take action also gives him fairly rigid attitudes. Only at the very end, where...