Ambition

This novel is a study in both the negative and positive results of ambition, disguised as a detective novel. Many of the characters are motivated by their ambition. While some ambition leads the characters on a path to help others, some are so determined to achieve their idea of success that they participate in activities that are morally questionable or even illegal.

Like other characters in the novel, Harry is ambitious but is clearly torn by the implications of his ambition. He wants to catch Valentin and wants to believe that he wants to catch the killer to save future victims. Deep inside himself, however, Harry struggles with the idea that his need to catch Valentin is only a matter of vanity or personal revenge.

Mikael is a character who is ambitious but is only out to help himself. Mikael maneuvers through his life using blackmail...