Often in this type of short story, the main character could be the person who has gone missing, even if we only get to know them through the memories and investigations of others. Another important character could be a close friend of the missing person. This friend may have some secrets or knowledge that is crucial to understanding the disappearance. And of course, there could be some antagonist - like characters, for example, someone who has a reason to want the person to disappear and tries to cover up the truth.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read the exact 'Of Missing Persons' short story you mentioned. But generally, in a story about missing persons, there could be the family members of the missing person, like a worried mother or a desperate husband. There might also be a detective - like figure who is trying to solve the case.
In 'Of Missing Persons' short story, the theme often revolves around the mystery and impact of people disappearing. It might explore the emotional turmoil of those left behind, like their confusion and grief. For example, the characters in the story could be constantly searching for answers, which reflects the human need to find closure in such situations.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read it. But generally, a novel about missing persons might revolve around the mystery of people who have disappeared, the search efforts, and the impact on their families and the community.
In general, Alert Missing Persons Unit is a work of fiction. However, it might draw some inspiration from common themes and scenarios found in real missing persons cases to add depth and relatability to the story.
I would recommend 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It follows the story of a woman who becomes involved in the mystery of a missing person she observes during her daily train commute. The unreliable narrators add an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
One common factor is the determination of the family. For example, in many cases like Elizabeth Smart's, her family never stopped looking for her. They kept her case in the public eye. Another factor is the work of the police. They use various resources like forensic evidence, witness statements, and surveillance to track down the missing person.
I don't know who the author of this 'Missing Persons A Private Novel' is. You could try searching for it in a library database or an online book catalog.
Since I don't know the exact story, I can only guess. There would likely be the missing girl herself. And probably her parents, as they would be very concerned about her disappearance. There might also be a detective or a police officer if it's a more crime - centered story.
The disappearance of Elizabeth Smart is also a significant missing persons true crime story. In 2002, she was abducted from her home in Utah. She was held captive for nine months before being rescued. Her captors had kept her in various locations and subjected her to a great deal of mental and physical abuse. The case highlighted the importance of community awareness in finding missing persons.
Another theme is deception. Often, the people around the missing person are not as they seem. In 'The Girl on the Train', the narrator's unreliability shows how deception can play a big role in a missing persons story. People may be hiding secrets or lying about their relationship with the missing person.
Another notable case is Elizabeth Smart's abduction in 2002. She was taken from her home in Utah at knifepoint. Thankfully, she was found alive after nine months. Her captors had held her captive and subjected her to various forms of abuse. Her case highlighted the importance of never giving up hope in missing persons cases.