Genre
novel, dystopian fiction
Setting and Context
A fictional future where the humanity expanded over the solar system and separated into modified species of humans.
Narrator and Point of View
Narrator: Darrow
Point of View: first person
Tone and Mood
Tone: critic, questioning
Mood: nightmarish, tense
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Darrow-a Red disguised as Gold fighting for the Sons of Ares to take down the Gold oppressors; Antagonist: Gold tyrants, Octavia de Lune, Archgovernor Augustus's son Jackal
Major Conflict
In the final book of the trilogy Darrow finds himself in darkness being tortured by Jackal after his identity has been revealed to those around him. He is saved by the Sons of Ares and has to find his strength to continue his fight against the Gold tyrants and his main enemy Jackal.
Climax
In an ultimate twist, Cassius reveals himself to be on the side of the Sons of Ares after all and that it was all a plot to bring Darrow and Mustang into the enemy's lair to kill the oppressor Octavia de Lune.
Foreshadowing
"The only thing my brother ever wanted was my father's approval. He did not get it. So he killed my father. Now he wants Mars. What do you think he'll do if he doesn't get it?"
-Mustang talking about Jackal and what he's capable of if he doesn't get what he wants.
Understatement
"This is war, boyo. Murder's the name of the game. Don't be sad we're good at it."
Sevro addressing Darrow in an understated manner to remind him of the cruelty that comes with their cause.
Allusions
Allusion to Norse mythology with Loki and Freya on the planet of Obsidians where the Golds dress up as gods to make the Obsidians believe they are just that.
Imagery
The phrase "break the chains" has been repeated throughout the trilogy and the image of it implies breaking the chains of tyranny and enslavement.
Paradox
"And it beats inside me, this terrible hope, as I know that the end has begun, and I'm finally awake."
-Darrow, "The Tide"
Parallelism
"We need those who love us. We need those who hate us."
-Darrow, "Only the Dark"
"Ash faces. Ash clothes. Ash lives."
-Darrow, "The Vampire Moon"
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Ragnar the Speaker-Obsidians of his home planet call Ragnar the Speaker because he brought the truth to them.
Personification
N/A
