Equal Danger: Analysis of Major Characters
"Equal Danger: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into a complex web of relationships and moral dilemmas through its key figures. Inspector Rogas serves as the protagonist, characterized by his intelligence and cultural depth, which distinguish him from his colleagues. His relentless pursuit of a cunning assassin, known only as Cres, challenges both his professional capabilities and personal convictions, leading him into precarious truths. Cres, while minimally visible, embodies elusiveness and strategic foresight, engaging in a psychological game of cat and mouse with Rogas.
Supporting characters include Nocio, a disillusioned writer grappling with his diminishing relevance in a shifting ideological landscape, and Galano, a politically influential magazine editor who hypocritically enjoys the comforts of the very capitalism he critiques. President Riches, the Supreme Court's self-assured leader, dismisses the notion of judicial error, believing firmly in the infallibility of his authority. The minister represents opportunism in government, leveraging his power while recognizing systemic corruption. Lastly, Cusan, an idealistic writer and friend to Rogas, inadvertently becomes entangled in the investigation, revealing the personal stakes involved in the broader political narrative. This exploration of character dynamics highlights themes of power, morality, and the impact of ideology on personal identity.
Equal Danger: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Leonardo Sciascia
First published: Il contesto: Una parodia, 1971 (English translation, 1973)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Imaginary Spanish cities
Plot: Detective and mystery
Time: The 1970's
Inspector Rogas, an investigator, the protagonist. His intelligence and his culture set him apart from the other members of the police force. He is thorough and persistent in his investigation, examining each event or piece of evidence with patience. His search for the assassin, assigned to him by his superiors, extends beyond the execution of his duties; it becomes for him an intellectual and personal challenge as he realizes the cleverness of his opponent. The investigation carries him dangerously close to truths that are best left undiscovered, and he meets with strong opposition to his exposing them.
Cres, the supposed assassin. Although he plays a central role, he is glimpsed only once. He is elusive, mysterious, and virtually untraceable; in short, he is very present yet invisible. Most important, he is clever and calculating, able to predict what the police's next move will be and to evade it. Like Rogas, he is exact and thorough in his work; if he is indeed the assassin, he leaves no trace.
Nocio, a writer. Dramatic and sarcastic, he speaks openly and readily about his troubles. He is embittered and resentful at the low regard in which his books are held by the fashionable revolutionaries. After having thought of himself as a revolutionary in his country, he believes that he is now being displaced by a young class of pseudointellectuals, who spew ideology without understanding it and without really believing it. Both in his professional life and in his own home, he has become angrily subservient for fear of being labeled a reactionary.
Galano, the editor of a revolutionary political magazine. Cold and detached, he exudes smugness and superiority toward those who are not a part of his intellectual circle. He loudly denounces capitalist wealth and the middle-class lifestyle and thought. At the same time, however, he readily and very willingly accepts all the comforts and advantages that he criticizes. Although he represents a private sector of morality, he enjoys the support of high government officials, who recognize the power and the influence of both the man and the magazine he publishes.
President Riches, the president of the Supreme Court. He is arrogant and self-assured. He firmly believes that during the time he has presided over the court, no wrongful judgment has ever been passed. Indeed, he maintains that judicial error does not exist; the individual no longer exists. One person answers for humanity, and humanity is responsible for one person.
The minister, a high government official. Pompous and formal, he is very much an opportunist. By his own admission, he uses his power to offer protection to individuals and to political groups. He recognizes the inherent weakness and corruption of his government, and, functioning on the premise that only hatred commands respect, he pursues that goal.
Cusan, a writer. Intelligent and perceptive, he is also an old and loyal friend of Rogas. He is a sympathizer of the Revolutionary Party. His support is of a predominantly ideological and certainly idealistic nature, and he is not aware of the political intricacies and intrigues that are involved. Rogas confides in him all his suspicions and his findings, thus involving him more than he would like.