Shrike

Philip Reeve makes Shrike an effective character because he has 2 different personalities. Firstly Reeves tries to make Shrike look heartless. “He turned and stumped away across the steaming garbage, losing all interest in Hester. He only wanted stuff he could he could sell, and there was no value in a half-dead child. Old bug tyres, now – those were worth something…” Shrike thinks that old garbage is more valuable than a child.

However he does also have a caring side, soon after he decides to leave the child he comes back and says “YOU CAN’T STAY HERE, CHILD,” This proves that he still cares for people as he knows the dangers and he is willing to warn young Hester,”YOU MUST NOT,” was all the Stalker said. “YOU’LL BE KILLED.”

Earlier in the book Shrike is seen as a heartless monster but by having a caring side it raises questions such as “Why would Shrike kill someone he cares about?” “Or does Shrike really care?” This raises suspension for later in the book where they answer the unanswered questions.

On Airhaven Shrike attacks the floating city. On one side he is a thoughtless  murder who will hurt other innocent people just to kill one person. On the other hand he is merciful as he “rewarded” Hester for her good thinking. “He was pleased at Hester Shaw’s quick thinking, and he decided to let her live a few more hours as a reward,” He still postponed Hesters death  even though he could track her using his advanced technology. This leads people to believe that he is still merciful even though there is a reward for Hesters murder, it also adds a contrast on the reader on whether Shrike is still a ruthless bounty hunter or if he’s being forced to do this.

Later in the book Shrike attempts to kill Hester to fulfil his “hearts desire” “All right,” she said. “But let Tom go.”

“HE MUST DIE,” insisted Shrike. “IT IS PART OF MY BARGAIN WITH CROME. YOU WILL NOT REMEMBER HIM WHEN YOU WAKE IN YOUR NEW BODY.”

“Oh please, Shrike, no,” begged Hester. “Tell Crome he escaped or drowned or something, died somewhere in the Out-Country and you couldn’t bring him back. Please?” “VERY WELL,” the Stalker said. Gently, he stroked Hester’s face with the tips of the blades. “THE BOY CAN LIVE.” Some people may see this as a selfish act because of the fact that Shrike is doing this for a reward. Furthermore he’s doing this for HIS hearts desire which proves just how selfish he actually is. On the other hand because he lets Tom live, this contrasts the fact that he’s doing this for himself and by letting Tom live he has also sacrificed some of his reward. Because of this the reader can become confused about whether he really is such as a bad person as the author says he is.

Most of the characters themselves see Shrike as just a robot made for killing. “Shrike doesn’t have feelings,” This leads people to believe that Shrike really is just a murder despite all the evidence that shows he has a caring side.