Point of View

The novel is presented in the third-person, omniscient viewpoint, traditional for fiction and particularly suited to the narrative structure presented. Richard Sharpe, the primary protagonist of the novel, is present in most scenes of the novel but occasionally the scene varies so alternative viewpoints can be presented. The most-prevalent of these concerns Girdwood, Simmerson, Fenner, or some combination of these. The narrator divulges internal thoughts and attitudes of the protagonist, and some of other characters. The majority of the story is told through action and dialogue; revealed thoughts are fairly frequent but generally are used for characterization rather than plot development.

The third-person point of view allows Sharpe to be presented in a highly-sympathetic manner. For example, the narrative structure portrays Sharpe's bumbling attempts at politicking as valid and well-meaning rather than completely inept. The narrative also allows portrayal of Sharpe's life situations as difficult but...