One common theme is probably the relationship between the main characters. It could be exploring their friendship more deeply or adding a romantic element to it. Another theme might be solving mysteries in the same style as the original, but with different twists.
Well, the 'Heat of the Night' novel might deal with themes like the hidden aspects of a small town that come to light during the night. It could be about the relationships between the characters that are affected by the events that occur in the nocturnal hours. Maybe there are secrets and intrigues that are only revealed when the sun goes down and the heat of the night sets in. There could be a crime or some sort of social issue that the story focuses on as well.
Bill Gillespie is a key character in the 'In the Heat of the Night' novel. He is likely a complex figure with his own set of values, beliefs, and relationships within the context of the story.
Well, there's also Sam Wood. He is a police officer in the town. At first, he is somewhat influenced by the racial attitudes of the town but as the story progresses, he also has to deal with the changing dynamics brought about by Tibbs' presence and the investigation they are all part of.
One important character is Virgil Tibbs. He brings a different perspective to the town as a black man in a position of authority in the detective work. The other characters include the suspects he has to deal with. Each suspect has their own story and motives, and through his interactions with them, we see more of the complex social fabric of the town.
The themes include identity. The black detective has to constantly assert his identity and worth in a world that tries to marginalize him. Also, there's the theme of community. The novel shows how the actions of individuals can affect the whole community, both positively and negatively.
One approach could be to look at the reviews of 'in the heat of the night' on different book or media review sites. Sometimes, fans will mention in their reviews if there are great fanfictions out there. Also, don't forget to explore the official website or forums related to the 'in the heat of the night' if there are any. They could have a section dedicated to fan - created content, including fanfiction.
The characters are interesting because of the racial tensions they represent. For example, Virgil Tibbs being a black man in a predominantly white and racially charged small town in the South. His interactions with the white characters, especially Bill Gillespie, create a lot of drama and conflict.