Point of View

The point of view of this book is omniscient, in a documentary style. The author uses the exact words of characters through diary entries, letters, memos and conversations to present the facts of the story. There is no narration or commentary by the author; direct words in a variety of formats are presented. Readers are able to chart the words and actions of characters as the story progresses and how those things change as the scandal snowballs.

Though Philip Malloy is the protagonist, other points of view are explored and they shed light on Phil’s feelings and situation. Next to Phil, Miss Narwin is the character whose psyche and involvement in the controversy are explored the most. Readers are able to see she cares about Phil and his success in her class, though administrators, other students and Phil himself may not be aware of...