How does Robert Cormier use suspense in his novel for effective plot development?
...lly in understanding the character of the Avenger and Buddy. The characters in We All Fall Down are individually unique, especially the Avenger. The reader comes to critical points in the novel which alter their understanding of the personality of the characters that they are reading about, for example towards the end of the novel when the readers find out that Mickey Stallings is the Avenger, his character analysis is instantly altered and the reader comprehends that the character is schizophrenic, and has no control of the evil nature of his second personality (the Avenger). Although at times the novel demonstrates aspects of a thriller genre through its fast moving pace which is propelled by action, in particular the scene where the Avenger is about to kill Jane. The relationship between Jane and Buddy brings about romantic suspense in the novel, which has something of a mixture between mystery and romance. It is this relationship that allows the readers to continue to wonder…will she find out that Buddy the love of her life is a trasher. Just by Jane being unaware of Buddy's true identity, demonstrates how twisted the relationship is on Buddy's behalf. The fact that he allowed himself to form a relationship with a victim of a crime he helped commit demonstrates how selfish and sickening he really is, and allows the Cormier to use this bizarre romance to lure in the reader. Another relationship which becomes apparent is the Avengers feelings towards Jane. The Avenger's infatuation with Jane in the latter half of the novel becomes very psychotic and obsessive, the clue allows the reader to instigate that the Avenger has a mental illness of some sort. This infatuation gives the readers anticipation to see what the Avenger does with these feelings, due to the fact of The Avenger's violent nature. Cormier uses a red herring in We All Fall Down which totally leads the reader to throw them off tract in solving the identity of The Avenger. Cormier does this by allowing the reader to believe that The Avenger is a eleven year old child, who manageably has the power to end lives of a young bully and his grandfather, this analogy in reality would be considered appalling and inhumane, however this is what intrigues readers to continue reading, the suspense of not knowing the mystery and the consequences of the Avengers behavior is the fuel for readers to turn the page. Not only does this red herring throw the readers off track, but takes them through the mind a mentally unstable person. Mickey Stallings doesn’t realise what actions he takes ...