The World Set Free · Character
The American
An unnamed American character in the narrative.
minor
First appearance: vii
The American's tie to King Egbert is one of the pressures that moves The World Set Free—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
The steersman of the French monoplane, described as having a dark face with concentrated purpose and an idiot child's happiness.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
With King Egbert (professional): King Egbert negotiates with The American as a representative of a powerful foreign state, balancing diplomacy and strategic interests. With King Egbert (professional): King Egbert…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of The American sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See The American in viiCharacter Web
7 connectionsA slice of how The American sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Atomic scientists and associates
+2 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Karenin, facing his own mortality, delivers a…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- King Egbert
professional · ambivalent
King Egbert negotiates with The American as a representative of a powerful foreign state,… How this plays out →
- King Egbert
professional · ambivalent
King Egbert negotiates with The American as a representative of a powerful foreign state,… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See The American in viiIn the story
The American appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for The American unlock in the free preview.
See The American in vii