Spenser represents the questing knight, a force for good through violence on behalf of those whom violence has harmed but who are powerless to resist it themselves. In Potshot, as elsewhere, Spenser represents the rugged individualist holding himself to a high standard of personal behavior, creating his own small stronghold of order through honorable behavior in a dishonorable world. Staying on the case and solving it despite Buckman's wishes in Potshot demonstrates his commitment to his chosen profession over any incidentals, even the demands and interests of his client.

Susan Silverman has been Spenser's primary love interest since the second book in the series. Now a psychotherapist, Susan assists Spenser with insights into the possible motivations of those involved in the case. Although she is a fully developed character capable of her own self-protection, she also often represents the damsel in distress whom Spenser must protect, as she...