Title: Red Dragon
Author: Thomas Harris
Publisher: Dodd, Mead & Company
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
Year of Publication: 1981
Date of Publication: October 1981
Pages: 348
ISBN-10: 039912442X
ISBN-13: 978-0399124426
Summary
Red Dragon is a psychological thriller that introduces readers to the infamous Hannibal Lecter.
The story follows FBI profiler Will Graham as he is pulled out of retirement to track down a serial killer known as “The Tooth Fairy.”
With the help of the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Graham tries to understand the mind of the killer, risking his own sanity in the process.
Main Plot & Characters
Will Graham, a gifted but troubled profiler, is called upon to solve a series of gruesome murders.
The antagonist, Francis Dolarhyde, known as “The Tooth Fairy,” is a deeply disturbed individual with a chilling modus operandi.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter, though behind bars, becomes an integral part of the investigation, offering his insights while manipulating those around him.
The interplay between Graham and Lecter forms the backbone of this narrative.
Key Themes of Red Dragon
- Good vs. Evil: Graham’s pursuit of justice contrasts with the moral darkness he faces.
- Psychology of Violence: The novel examines the minds of killers and those who hunt them.
- Duality of Human Nature: Characters show both light and dark sides, complicating traditional views of morality.
- Obsession: The story examines how obsessive behavior drives both the profiler and the killer.
Writing Style
Harris’s writing is analytical but conveys information clearly.
Impact of Red Dragon
Red Dragon introduced Hannibal Lecter, one of literature’s most iconic villains.
The theme of this book has influenced crime fiction and led to multiple adaptations.
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