Point of View

Eleanor Catton narrates Birnam Wood using a traditional third-person omniscient perspective, creating a character-driven novel and an atmosphere of suspense. She follows multiple characters throughout the novel. Mira, Shelley, Tony, and Lemoine have the most significant sections of narration. Catton follows Owen and Jill throughout the novel, but not as frequently as the others. She dedicates almost no narration to Rosie Demarney (a seemingly insignificant character), but her storyline is a catalyst for the tragic ending of the book. Catton combines private thoughts with dialogue to strengthen her characters’ relationships and move the story forward throughout Birnam Wood.

In her narration, Catton follows each character in his or her own section. The sections vary in length, and at times they interact with other characters, but the narrator follows one character specifically from his or her perspective. While she tells the story in a linear order...