Estimated read time: 6 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Stone | Protagonist | Ex-SAS operative turned covert operative |
| Sarah Drayton | Antagonist | Ruthless arms dealer |
| Tom Drayton | Secondary antagonist | Sarah’s brother, involved in illegal arms trade |
| Major Victor Graham | Nick’s superior | Military handler and mentor |
| Janice Miller | Ally | Intelligence analyst aiding Nick |
| Steve “Hawk” Hawkins | Nick’s friend and colleague | Fellow operative with field expertise |
Role Identification
Nick Stone: The Protagonist
Nick Stone serves as the central figure in "Remote Control." His experience as an SAS operative and his covert skills drive the mission’s progress. Stone embodies resilience and tactical intelligence.
Sarah Drayton: The Antagonist
Sarah is the primary antagonist, representing the deadly arms trade Nick aims to dismantle. Her cunning and merciless nature pose a constant threat.
Tom Drayton: Secondary Antagonist
Tom supports Sarah's operations and adds complexity to the criminal network. His role intensifies the stakes for Nick.
Major Victor Graham: Military Handler
Serving as Nick’s superior, Major Graham provides strategic guidance and operational support.
Janice Miller: Intelligence Ally
Janice offers crucial intelligence, enhancing Nick’s mission capabilities through analysis and insight.
Steve “Hawk” Hawkins: Field Colleague
Hawk is Nick's trusted friend and fellow operative, assisting in field operations and tactical decisions.
Character Descriptions
| Character Name | Physical Appearance | Personality Traits | Skills / Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Stone | Rugged, fit, mid-40s | Determined, resourceful, disciplined | Expert in combat, stealth, survival |
| Sarah Drayton | Sharp features, confident demeanor | Ruthless, intelligent, manipulative | Skilled negotiator, strategic planner |
| Tom Drayton | Similar to Sarah, younger | Aggressive, impulsive, loyal | Firearms expert, street-smart |
| Major Victor Graham | Middle-aged, authoritative | Stern, pragmatic, supportive | Strong leadership, tactical planning |
| Janice Miller | Analytical, professional | Intelligent, cautious, loyal | Intelligence analysis, hacking |
| Steve “Hawk” Hawkins | Athletic, approachable | Loyal, brave, quick-thinking | Weapons handling, reconnaissance |
Character Traits
Nick Stone
- Resilience: Faces danger without hesitation.
- Loyalty: Deep commitment to allies and mission.
- Strategic Mind: Always plans several steps ahead.
- Moral Complexity: Balances duty with personal ethics.
Sarah Drayton
- Cunning: Always one step ahead of opponents.
- Cold-Hearted: Willing to sacrifice anything for profit.
- Manipulative: Uses people as pawns in her schemes.
Tom Drayton
- Hot-Tempered: Quick to anger but fiercely protective.
- Loyal: Devoted to his sister and their cause.
Major Victor Graham
- Disciplined: Adheres strictly to military protocol.
- Supportive: Provides guidance without micromanaging.
Janice Miller
- Detail-Oriented: Notices subtle intelligence cues.
- Trustworthy: Reliable in high-pressure situations.
Steve “Hawk” Hawkins
- Brave: Willing to take risks for the team.
- Adaptable: Adjusts tactics quickly in the field.
Character Background
| Character Name | Background Summary |
|---|---|
| Nick Stone | Former SAS operative with years of covert mission experience. Left military but drawn back for high-risk operations. Experienced loss which fuels his resolve. |
| Sarah Drayton | Rose through the ranks of illegal arms dealing. Known for ruthless efficiency and lack of remorse. Has a dark past linked to global conflicts. |
| Tom Drayton | Grew up in a violent environment, learned the arms trade from Sarah. Resents authority but respects family loyalty. |
| Major Victor Graham | Veteran military officer with decades of service. Guides covert operations with a focus on minimizing collateral damage. |
| Janice Miller | Intelligence analyst with a background in cybersecurity. Joined the agency to combat global arms trade. |
| Steve “Hawk” Hawkins | Former special forces operative and Nick’s close friend. Known for his field expertise and reliability under pressure. |
Character Arcs
Nick Stone’s Arc
Nick begins as a disillusioned ex-soldier but regains purpose through the mission. Throughout the story, he confronts personal demons and moral dilemmas. His arc reflects growth from isolation to renewed commitment to justice.
Sarah Drayton’s Arc
Sarah remains a consistent antagonist, but her backstory reveals motivations rooted in survival and power. Her arc explores the cost of ambition and cruelty.
Tom Drayton’s Arc
Tom evolves from reckless enforcer to someone questioning his loyalty. His internal conflict adds depth to his role.
Major Victor Graham’s Arc
Graham remains a steady figure, embodying military discipline and mentorship. His arc supports Nick’s development.
Janice Miller’s Arc
Janice transitions from a behind-the-scenes analyst to a more active participant in field decisions, gaining confidence and bravery.
Steve “Hawk” Hawkins’ Arc
Hawk’s arc focuses on loyalty and sacrifice. His actions reinforce the themes of friendship and trust.
Relationships
| Characters Involved | Relationship Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Stone & Sarah Drayton | Protagonist vs Antagonist | Intense adversarial relationship driven by conflicting goals. |
| Nick Stone & Tom Drayton | Hunter vs Target | Tense encounters fueled by mutual distrust and past grudges. |
| Nick Stone & Major Victor Graham | Mentor & Protégé | Professional, with Graham guiding Nick’s operations. |
| Nick Stone & Janice Miller | Allies | Collaborative partnership combining field and intelligence work. |
| Nick Stone & Steve “Hawk” Hawkins | Friends & Colleagues | Deep friendship based on trust and shared experiences. |
| Sarah Drayton & Tom Drayton | Siblings | Complex familial bond with loyalty and tension. |
Conclusion
Andy McNab’s "Remote Control" features a cast of well-defined characters whose interactions and conflicts drive the thriller’s narrative. Nick Stone’s journey from disillusionment to renewed purpose anchors the story. The antagonists, Sarah and Tom Drayton, provide formidable opposition, characterized by cunning and ruthlessness. Supporting characters like Major Graham, Janice Miller, and Steve Hawkins enrich the story through mentorship, intelligence, and camaraderie.
This character analysis reveals the intricate web of relationships and personal growth that make "Remote Control" a compelling and intense read for fans of military thrillers.
