Spy novels are an intriguing form of literature, with many different elements. A great example of a spy novel is The Riddle of the Sands, which features interesting, patriotic characters, a suspenseful, mysterious plot, and even advanced technology and useful skills. In the story, a man named Carruthers is invited to a yachting holiday in the Baltic Sea by an acquaintance named Davies. Davies slowly reveals his real motives for inviting Carruthers and talks about how he suspects the Germans are undertaking some sinister tasks, and have turned Dollmann to their side, and feels it is his patriotic duty to investigate. Davies uses his superb ship handling skills to navigate them through a thick fog, allowing Carruthers to explore the island and overhear people talking about a treasure. Carruthers announces that he has been recalled back to England, but doubles back. He puts the pieces of the puzzle together and figures out that the Germans are trying to create an invasion path, and they inform the British government. Some of the most important elements of a spy novel are the characters, the plots, and the technology and skills characters can possess.
The characters of any literature form have distinct characteristics, but for spy novels they may have to be furtive and cunning, able to react quickly and think fast. The heroes of the story, or the “good guys”, have to have patriotism, and take daunting risks for the good of their country. However, the enemy, or the “bad guys”, need to be nefarious and traitorous, without loyalty to anyone. Inside of The Riddle of the Sands, Carruthers and Davies both love their country and are willing to take risks for both the adventure and for their patriotism. However, Dollmann has betrayed his own country and is siding with the Germans, and he isn’t loyal. Carruthers and Davies use their intelligence and skills to figure out the plot of the Germans, and manage to defeat them through their loyalty and teamwork. There is often a connection between the heroes and the villains of a story, and this can be through love, such as how Davies loved Clara, Dollmann’s daughter, or many other ways. The main characters of a spy novel often fit into a certain mold due to the requirements that helping save your country requires, such as bravery and courage.
The plot of a spy novel also has some specifications, it has to be filled with suspense and drama in order for the magnitude of the situation to set in. There needs to be serious risk and something to be gained or lost in order for the story to become as mysterious and suspenseful as it can. In The Riddle of the Sands, there is risk of the Germans invading Britain and having a high chance of success due to their current nefarious plan, so Carruthers and Davies need to find out what their plan is and how they are going to implement it. These are extremely high stakes, as if they fail, their country could be doomed, and they would probably be executed under the enemy’s rule. This dramatic and suspenseful action is what drives the story. Spy novels need to have detailed plots with subtle intricacies that help add to the story and intrigue the reader even further, so that they can become hooked on the careful details. Spy novel plots need to be suspenseful and intriguing in order for them to be interesting and good.
Spy novels also often have advanced technology and sophisticated, useful skills that enable the main character to do many intriguing things. In dramatic chases, the main characters may need to have skills at driving and maneuvering, or in suspenseful fights, they might have to defeat enemies in fights. In The Riddle of the Sands, Davies has to navigate through an extremely thick fog in order to get close to the enemy so Carruthers can explore and gather information. They also have to think fast and quickly in order for them to make split second decisions that could determine the fate of their country. Carruthers also uses his quick mind to fake going back to England but instead doubling back, giving them an edge and the element of surprise to help them defeat the Germans. One of the most iconic aspects of spy stories are the gadgets and technologies, all helping the characters achieve great goals, and extremely useful as well. Spy novels should include some sort of useful skill or advanced gadget to help the main characters defeat the enemy.
The Riddle of the Sands by Robert Childer is a fantastic book that includes every important aspect of spy novels, such as the creative, cunning characters who are always patriotic to their country, the suspenseful, intriguing plots that enable readers to feel intrigued by the story, and the advanced, futuristic technology that helps the main characters defeat the villains. The main characters inside of spy novels are always extremely loyal to each other and to their country, but they could become linked to the enemy through love or even other methods. The plot must be extremely intense and riveting so that the main characters find struggles and intense risk in what they are undertaking. They will have futuristic gadgets and skills to use in their battle against the enemy that have creative uses. The Riddle of the Sands is an amazing example of a spy novel and I would recommend it to all ages.
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