Points of View

The book begins from Santiago's point of view, as told through an omniscient narrator who describes what Santiago is feeling and thinking. This point of view reveals the subtle changes that he goes through and allows the reader to share in his insights and discoveries. The changes Santiago experiences are important to the theme of alchemy, and the fact that his perspective is dominant helps to underscore that theme. The narrative does not stay only in Santiago's perspective, but like a cinematic camera, the point of view of the story pulls away from the close-up scenes when necessary and shows a wider panorama of perspective.

Occasionally, marginal characters who are only in the story for one small scene will snap to the forefront as their point of view is referenced. For example, when the ticket seller at the port calls Santiago a "dreamer," his perspective gives...