Points of View

The story is told using first-person point of view through the eyes of Gail. Gail recalls the story in chronological order beginning with her intimate relationship with her boyfriend, Steve. The chronological telling of the story helps build the suspense about the plot and gets the reader thinking about the suspect. Gail does not reveal the identity of the attacker until she is recovering in the hospital. The identity of the stalker could have been revealed earlier, but it would have taken away from the suspense and emotional reaction after the rape.

Other points of view are provided using conversation. For example, Gail learns about her father's unemployment when she visits his former employer. The receptionist, Connie, explains the situation to her and tells her about the fragile male ego. Connie explains to her that it is difficult for men to accept failure. This point of...