Most likely, the main character is the so - called 'patient zero' as the story is named after this concept.
The main character is likely to be patient zero. In stories related to the origin of a disease outbreak or a medical mystery, patient zero is the central figure. They are the starting point of the narrative. Their actions, their contacts, and their condition are what drive the story. It's their story of being the first identified case, which could include details about their daily life, how they came into contact with the cause of the medical issue, and how they became the focus of medical and public attention.
The main character would be patient zero. Since the short story is centered around this concept, it would focus on the individual who is the first known case in a particular medical event. This character would be the key figure through which the story unfolds, whether it's about their journey of getting sick, the discovery of their condition, or the impact they had on the surrounding people and the medical investigation.
It could be about the origin of a disease or an epidemic. 'Patient zero' is often the first known case in an outbreak, so the short story might focus on how this person got infected, their initial symptoms, and the early spread of the illness from this individual.
In a 'patient zero novel', the main characters could vary widely. There might be the epidemiologist leading the investigation into the disease outbreak and who is obsessed with finding patient zero. Then there could be patient zero, who might be an ordinary person with an extraordinary situation. There could also be journalists trying to break the story, and government officials either helping or hindering the search for answers.
Well, in many 'patient zero' horror stories, patient zero is often the origin of a terrifying epidemic. They might be the first to be infected by some unknown and deadly virus. For example, in some fictional tales, patient zero starts showing strange symptoms like blackened veins and a rabid hunger. As they unknowingly spread the virus to others, chaos ensues. People around them start getting sick and dying in horrible ways, and the whole town or city gradually turns into a nightmare zone filled with the infected and the dying.
I don't know the specific main characters in 'patient zero horror novel' as I haven't read it. But it could have a scientist who is trying to find a cure for the horror that patient zero has unleashed. There might also be a survivor who has some special skills or knowledge that helps them in the fight against the spreading horror.
One common element is the mystery around patient zero. Usually, no one knows exactly how they got infected at first. Another element is the rapid spread of the disease or curse from patient zero. It quickly engulfs the surrounding people. And there's often a sense of helplessness among the characters in the story as they struggle to deal with the unknown and deadly threat.
The English patient is one of the main characters. Then there's the nurse who takes care of him. And there are other characters like the people in the place where they are, for example, the local man who might interact with them from time to time.
One of the main themes is love. The complex and passionate love between the characters is a central element. Another theme is identity. The English patient's mysterious identity and the way it unfolds throughout the story is important. Also, the theme of war and its consequences is present as the story is set against the backdrop of war, and the characters are all affected by it in different ways.
A 'patient zero novel' could refer to a novel that focuses on the idea of 'patient zero' in an epidemic or disease context. It might explore how the first case (patient zero) became infected, the early spread of the disease, and the social and medical responses to it.
I'm not sure specifically as there could be many novels with that title or concept. Generally, 'patient zero' in a horror context often refers to the first infected or the origin of a terrifying epidemic or curse in the story. It might involve the protagonist trying to figure out how to stop the spread that originated from this patient zero while facing various horrors along the way.
One possible theme is the power of individual perception. In the story, 'Abuela Invents the Zero' might show how the abuela's unique view of the world, as represented by inventing the zero, challenges the existing norms and beliefs of those around her. It could be about how one person's different way of thinking can have an impact on others.