Point of View

The entire tale is told in the narrative, third-person omniscient. The omniscient point of view allows the reader to know everything the characters know including their thoughts—to a degree. Even though Clancy uses this all-knowing style, he obviously withholds key information for dramatic purposes. The reader is immediately aware of gaps in the story, missing pieces in the puzzle. This gradual revelation of facts and events creates a backdrop for suspense and anticipation keeping the reader engaged and eager for more.

The reader knows that Popov has stumbled on to information convincing him that there is a secret counter-terrorism unit. At the same time, we learn that John Clark is aware that a former KGB agent might well be acting as a puppet-master instigating the spattering of recent terrorist activity. Since the reader has a bird's eye-view of the activities and thoughts of both...