Study the author’s description and exposition of Louis Bac, then his speeches and his acts. What do the other characters think of him? Observe how the various methods of portraiture strengthen one another in the finished portrait.
Berthe is lightly touched. The reader must “believe” in her as a beautiful young girl, but must not give her too great sympathy. Overmuch attention to her would have detracted from the character unity of the narrative.
César Dupont is the contemporary representative of the confidant, offering opportunity for dramatic form (in the scene work) and consequent interest. Unity of action and effect is conserved by making him Berthe’s uncle; moreover, probability and verisimilitude are gained by the relationship. Madame Dupont, M. Jules Constant, Louis’s servants, and others, are the background characters, carefully subdued so as not to interfere with the chief action and consequent story unity.
Note every reference to San Francisco, then ask yourself how strongly the setting works toward the securing of the reader’s credulity. Try telling the story, mentally, without allusion to locale. What is lost? “On a pedestal was a vase that had belonged to Napoleon, wired and fastened down,” etc. What is the value of this sentence in the direction of capturing belief? Study the management of the time element.
Atmosphere. Study the feeling of the story in connection with the place. The first sentence of the narrative strikes the tone “gray,” and gives the setting. “Lone Mountain” conveys what impression? The cemetery, used so powerfully in the climax of action, deepens the gray note to its most somber hue. This increased depth of tone works integratively with the action to the powerful climax. Point out all the words and phrases that intensify the atmosphere.
Presentation of the Action. The narrator is the author who knows all, sees all, and exercises omniscience over Louis’s mind.
Tell the plot without adhering to Louis’s point of view, placing every event in the order of its occurrence. Note the loss in suspense and cumulative effect.
Details.
Suspense: Where does the story first grip you, and why? At what point does the cause for suspense change, and with what bearing on your interest?
Clues: Make a list of clues to the tragic conclusion; e.g., “If I am awake” (page 33).