"The Bone Collector" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Character Name	Role
Lincoln Rhyme	Protagonist, Forensic Detective
Amelia Sachs	Protagonist, Police Officer
The Bone Collector	Antagonist, Serial Killer
Thom	Rhyme's Caretaker
Captain Howard Cheney	Police Captain
Detective Paulie Sellitto	Police Detective
Mel Cooper	Forensic Technician
Eddie Ortiz	Rookie Police Officer
Dr. Berger	Psychiatrist
Richard Thompson	Rhyme's former partner
Nicholas Shepherd	The Bone Collector's copycat

Role Identification

In "The Bone Collector," Lincoln Rhyme serves as the protagonist and the main character of the novel. He is a renowned forensic detective who is paralyzed from the neck down due to an accident. Amelia Sachs, also a protagonist, is a young police officer who becomes Rhyme's eyes and ears in the field. The Bone Collector is the primary antagonist, a sadistic serial killer who challenges Rhyme's intellect.

Character Descriptions

• Lincoln Rhyme: Rhyme is a brilliant forensic detective who has gained national recognition for his expertise in crime scene analysis and evidence collection. Despite being confined to a bed and limited to minimal physical movement, his sharp mind and extensive knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the police force.
• Amelia Sachs: Sachs is a determined and resourceful police officer. Her dedication to her work and her ability to think on her feet make her an ideal partner for Rhyme. She is physically fit, agile, and possesses excellent marksmanship skills.
• The Bone Collector: The Bone Collector is a sadistic serial killer who derives pleasure from tormenting his victims. He meticulously plans his murders and leaves behind cryptic clues for the authorities. His identity remains a mystery throughout most of the novel.
• Thom: Thom is Rhyme's caretaker. He assists Rhyme with his daily needs, including feeding, bathing, and providing emotional support. Thom's patience and understanding make him an integral part of Rhyme's life.
• Captain Howard Cheney: Captain Cheney is the head of the police department and oversees the investigations. He is a competent leader who values Rhyme's expertise and is willing to provide the necessary resources to catch the Bone Collector.
• Detective Paulie Sellitto: Sellitto is a seasoned police detective and a loyal friend of Rhyme. He often acts as a liaison between Rhyme and the police department, helping to coordinate investigations and gather evidence.
• Mel Cooper: Cooper is a forensic technician who works closely with Rhyme. His knowledge of forensic science and his ability to analyze evidence play a vital role in solving the Bone Collector's crimes.
• Eddie Ortiz: Ortiz is a rookie police officer who is assigned to assist Sachs. He is eager to prove himself and shows great potential as a future detective.
• Dr. Berger: Dr. Berger is Rhyme's psychiatrist, who helps him cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of his paralysis. She provides valuable insights into Rhyme's mindset and helps guide him through his character arc.
• Richard Thompson: Thompson is Rhyme's former partner, who was injured in the same accident that left Rhyme paralyzed. While he does not physically appear in the novel, his presence is felt through Rhyme's memories and reflections.
• Nicholas Shepherd: Shepherd is revealed as the Bone Collector's copycat, attempting to replicate the original killer's crimes. His character adds a layer of complexity to the storyline and challenges Rhyme and Sachs to differentiate between the two murderers.

Character Traits

• Lincoln Rhyme: Intelligent, analytical, determined, meticulous, stubborn, resourceful,
• Amelia Sachs: Brave, agile, quick-thinking, observant, dedicated, resilient,
• The Bone Collector: Sadistic, intelligent, manipulative, meticulous, cunning, elusive,
• Thom: Patient, caring, supportive, reliable, understanding,
• Captain Howard Cheney: Assertive, supportive, pragmatic, decisive,
• Detective Paulie Sellitto: Loyal, experienced, perceptive, resourceful,
• Mel Cooper: Knowledgeable, meticulous, analytical, detail-oriented,
• Eddie Ortiz: Eager, ambitious, courageous, adaptable,
• Dr. Berger: Empathetic, insightful, professional, patient,
• Richard Thompson: Loyal, regretful, haunted,
• Nicholas Shepherd: Calculating, devious, manipulative, intelligent.

Character Background

• Lincoln Rhyme: Rhyme was once a highly successful forensic detective until an accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. He is a perfectionist who is used to being in control, and his injury has forced him to adapt to a new way of life. Rhyme's vast knowledge and experience in forensic science make him a valuable consultant for the police.
• Amelia Sachs: Sachs comes from a family of police officers, and her desire to make a difference in the world led her to join the force. She is determined to prove herself and rise through the ranks. Sachs has a troubled past, having lost her father at a young age, which fuels her passion for justice.
• The Bone Collector: The Bone Collector's true identity remains unknown until the climax of the novel. He is a cunning and sadistic killer who meticulously plans his murders. The Bone Collector's background and motivations are revealed through his actions and the clues he leaves behind.

Character Arcs

• Lincoln Rhyme: Rhyme's character arc revolves around his acceptance of his disability and learning to find purpose and satisfaction in life despite his physical limitations. Throughout the novel, Rhyme evolves from a bitter and isolated individual to someone who rediscovers his passion for crime-solving and forms a meaningful connection with Amelia Sachs.
• Amelia Sachs: Sachs undergoes a transformation from a rookie police officer to a skilled detective under the guidance of Rhyme. Through her partnership with Rhyme, she gains confidence in her abilities and learns to trust her instincts. Sachs also develops a deep bond with Rhyme, realizing that her purpose extends beyond being his eyes and ears.
• The Bone Collector: While the Bone Collector's character arc is not as prominent as the protagonists', it is revealed that his motivations stem from a traumatic event in his past. As the story progresses, his character becomes more complex, and the true extent of his sadistic nature is uncovered.

Relationships

• Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs: The relationship between Rhyme and Sachs forms the emotional core of the story. Initially, they have a somewhat strained dynamic, but as they work together to solve the Bone Collector's crimes, they develop a deep mutual respect and friendship. Rhyme sees Sachs as his equal and relies on her intuition and physical abilities to complement his expertise.
• Lincoln Rhyme and Thom: Thom's unwavering support and care for Rhyme create a bond of trust and friendship between them. Thom's role is essential in maintaining Rhyme's physical and emotional well-being, and he becomes an integral part of Rhyme's life.
• Lincoln Rhyme and Captain Howard Cheney: Captain Cheney values Rhyme's expertise and understands the importance of his contributions to the investigations. Their relationship is one of professional respect, as Cheney provides Rhyme with the necessary resources to solve the case.
• Lincoln Rhyme and Detective Paulie Sellitto: Sellitto's loyalty to Rhyme is evident throughout the novel. He acts as a bridge between Rhyme and the police department, ensuring that Rhyme's insights are heard and respected.
• Amelia Sachs and Eddie Ortiz: Ortiz looks up to Sachs as a mentor and strives to prove himself to her. Their relationship evolves from a teacher-student dynamic to one of mutual respect and camaraderie as they work together to solve the case.

In conclusion, "The Bone Collector" by Jeffery Deaver features a diverse cast of characters who contribute to the intricate plot and character development. Lincoln Rhyme, Amelia Sachs, and the Bone Collector stand out as the central figures in the story, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and relationships. The character arcs and relationships in the novel add depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction.