Typical of a good thriller, Patriot Games has an exciting beginning that reveals Ryan as a man capable of dramatic and decisive action. He does not come off as a James Bond type, however. Bond might blow up a car or two, mangle the terrorists, possibly get a knock on the head, and brush the dust off his suit, but Ryan is shot and seriously wounded, and even as he plays the hero, he is ambivalent about shooting the terrorists. He does not take killing lightly. Thus, even as his marine training takes over his actions, Ryan is shown to be thoughtful, as well.

Further, he is shown to be much loved by his family. Thus, the action-filled opening not only charges swiftly into the main plot, but it introduces a complex and well-rounded main character.

Patriot Games resembles Clancy's earlier novels in its rapidly shifting scenes, but...