Point of View

The point of view changes throughout the novel. In this way, the reader gains a better understanding of each of the different characters.

There is an omniscent narrator throughout the story, especially in the beginning, who describes the situation for the characters. However, as the characters begin to talk and interact with one another, the story follows their unique perspectives. Interestingly enough, the Generals' point of view is never covered in the story, only the soldiers whose lives are enriched thanks to the siege. Some of the hostages are used for their perspective, such as Gen, Roxane and Mr. Hosokawa, while others like Victor and the rest of the Russians, are essentially ignored.

Thanks to the knowledge of the omniscent narrator, the reader knows from the very beginning that the end of the story will turn out badly for the terrorists. However, working with that information...