After

As with his other titles in the Once series, Gleitzman allows his main character, Felix Salinger, to narrate the story in the first person, present tense. Using this biased perspective allows the author to express intimately what the protagonist is experiencing. Using the present tense also lets the narrator describe the actions taking place with a sense of immediacy, allowing readers to participate in the dramatic events as they are occurring. This voice and tense also enable readers to participate in the main character’s inner thoughts and emotions.

If there is a downside to writing in the present tense, it is that the passage of time—particularly lengthy spans of days—may cause the reader to feel that the author is omitting important events. Interruptions in a present tense monologue may be jarring to readers who find themselves transported from one “present moment” to another without connection. The other potential issue with writing in the first person is the recognition that the protagonist will survive at least until the end of the narrative. Thus, although Felix constantly faces mortal dangers, readers know he will survive them all, even though other characters around him might perish.