Well, a 'third man novel' often has complex characters. It might have a character who is sort of in the middle or an outsider in a situation. For example, the 'third man' could be a mysterious figure that disrupts the status quo of other characters' relationships.
Well, there's Holly Martins as I said before. He is naive in some ways and gets drawn into the complex web of events in Vienna. Then there's Harry Lime, who is a rather enigmatic character. He has a dark side and his actions drive much of the plot. There are also other supporting characters like the police inspector who is also involved in the investigation around Lime.
One of the main themes is moral ambiguity. The characters often find themselves in situations where right and wrong are not clearly defined. Another theme could be the nature of friendship. The relationship between the characters is complex and not always as it seems on the surface.
The Third Man is often set in a post - World War II Vienna. The city is divided among the Allied powers, which creates a complex and somewhat chaotic backdrop. There are shadowy alleyways, bomb - damaged buildings, and a general sense of unease and moral ambiguity.
The novel 'The Third Man' by Graham Greene is known for its suspenseful narrative. Greene's writing style is very descriptive. He makes the reader feel as if they are in the seedy streets of Vienna. The characters' motives are not always clear, which keeps the reader guessing. For example, the identity of the 'third man' is a mystery that unfolds throughout the story.
The Third Man novel is a classic because of its masterful use of noir elements. The dark alleys of Vienna, the seedy underworld, and the sense of an individual being lost in a big, corrupt world are all hallmarks of noir. The story is full of twists and turns. Just when you think you've figured out what's going on, another revelation comes along. For example, the discovery of Harry Lime's true nature is a shocker. This keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout. Also, the writing style is engaging, with short, sharp sentences that add to the overall sense of urgency.
The setting is key. The post - war Vienna in the Third Man is divided among the Allies. This creates a world full of spies, black - marketeering, and moral confusion. It makes it easy for characters to disappear or hide things. For example, the dilapidated buildings can be used as hiding places. The different zones of influence also mean different rules apply in different parts of the city, which helps drive the plot forward as characters navigate this complex environment.
One of the main themes is morality. The characters are constantly faced with moral dilemmas. Another is the idea of deception. There is a lot of hiding and lying going on in the story. Also, friendship is a theme, as the relationships between the characters are complex and often tested.