Criminals also feature prominently. These are not just your average criminals but ones with complex motives and backstories. They might be involved in organized crime or be lone wolves causing chaos in the city.
There are also some ordinary citizens who get caught up in the seedy underbelly of the world Ellroy creates. They are the ones who are often at the mercy of the more powerful and devious characters in the stories.
Detectives are common main characters. They are often tough - minded individuals trying to solve crimes in a difficult and corrupt environment.
There are often American characters, especially young, innocent Americans. They might be traveling in Europe or encountering Europeans in America. For example, in some stories, there are young American women who are exposed to the more refined but sometimes devious European society. There are also European characters who represent the established, traditional ways of the Old World.
One notable feature is his gritty and noir - style writing. His short stories often have complex characters, usually set in a seedy underworld. For example, his characters might be detectives or criminals, and the settings are filled with a sense of danger and moral ambiguity.
His main characters are often ordinary people caught up in extraordinary situations. They might be working - class individuals with big dreams or desires that lead them astray. For instance, a factory worker who dreams of a better life and gets involved in a criminal scheme.
Often they are ordinary people, like working - class individuals, children, and immigrants.
Often, his main characters are individuals on the margins. They might be immigrants, like the ones who have left their native countries for better opportunities elsewhere. These characters face a lot of challenges in adapting to new cultures and societies.
Typically, you'll find ordinary people as main characters. There could be a fisherman, a housewife, or a schoolteacher. These characters are used to show the everyday life and the small but significant dramas that unfold in it. For example, a housewife dealing with the boredom and monotony of her daily routine while also having her own hidden longings and hopes. Madhavikutty gives a voice to these common people through her stories.
There are often complex female characters. For instance, they might be strong - willed but trapped in the social norms of the time, like Madame Bovary in some ways. These female characters usually have their own dreams and desires that conflict with the expectations of society.
Often, there are strong female characters. They might be independent - minded women dealing with the constraints of their society. There are also ordinary townsfolk, like the local grocer or the postman, who add to the fabric of the small - town setting. And sometimes, there are older characters who carry the wisdom and history of the community.
In my opinion, 'The Black Dahlia' is one of his best. It's a dark and complex tale set in post - World War II Los Angeles. The story is based on the real - life unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia. Ellroy weaves a web of mystery, corruption, and seedy characters that draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish.
I would also recommend 'American Tabloid'. This novel is set against the backdrop of the Kennedy era. Ellroy masterfully creates a world filled with political intrigue, organized crime, and a sense of paranoia that was prevalent during that time.