One characteristic is the sense of adventure. His spy novels often have the protagonist in thrilling situations, like being chased across different terrains. For example, in 'The Thirty - Nine Steps', the hero is constantly on the run, which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
They typically feature a resourceful hero. These heroes can use their wits and physical skills to overcome the odds. They are good at disguising themselves and outsmarting the villains.
There are also characters like Sandy Arbuthnot in some of his novels. Sandy is often a sidekick or a co - adventurer, bringing his own set of skills and charm to the story.
The plots in John Buchan's historical novels are usually fast - paced. There are constant twists and turns that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. He combines historical facts with fictional elements in a seamless way, so that the readers can not only enjoy the story but also learn something about history.
One of the best is 'The Thirty - Nine Steps'. It's a thrilling adventure story full of mystery and espionage. The main character, Richard Hannay, finds himself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy, which makes for a really exciting read.
His spy novels are also remarkable for their realistic portrayal of the spy world. It's not all glamorous action like in some other spy fiction. Instead, there's a lot of bureaucracy, back - stabbing, and the constant struggle between loyalty to one's country and one's own conscience. His works give a sense of the moral greyness that exists in the world of intelligence.
Another characteristic of John in spy fiction is his secrecy. He has to keep his identity hidden from most people. He lives a double life, acting normal in public but being a highly trained operative in secret. His relationships are often complicated as he can't fully disclose his true self to others. He might also have a strong sense of loyalty, either to his country, his agency, or his comrades in arms.
His spy novels often feature complex plots. There are always multiple layers of mystery and intrigue that keep readers guessing.
One characteristic is their complex characters. John le Carré creates spies who are not just one - dimensional heroes. They have moral dilemmas, personal issues, and often get caught up in the gray areas of espionage. For example, in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', George Smiley is a nuanced character with his own insecurities and past traumas that affect his work as a spy.
John le Carre's spy novels are known for their complex characters. His spies are not just action heroes but often morally ambiguous individuals caught in the web of Cold War politics. For example, in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', the main character, George Smiley, is a middle - aged, unassuming man who has to navigate the murky waters of the British intelligence service full of double - agents.
Some of the main themes include adventure, heroism, and the struggle between good and evil. Buchan often sets his stories in exciting locations, and his characters face various challenges that test their courage and moral fiber.
One characteristic could be complex characters. Fowles often creates multi - dimensional characters in his works, and in his spy novel, the characters might have hidden motives and ambiguous loyalties. They are not simply good or bad.