"Two Kinds of Truth" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Two Kinds of Truth" by Michael Connelly, Harry Bosch is the protagonist and the primary character around which the story revolves. He is a seasoned detective with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Harry's daughter, Maddie Bosch, plays a significant role in his life, providing emotional support and serving as a moral compass. Mickey Haller, the defense attorney known as "The Lincoln Lawyer," becomes involved in Harry's investigation. Jerry Edgar, Harry's long-time partner, plays a crucial role in assisting him throughout the story. Elizabeth Clayton, a Deputy District Attorney, also plays a significant role in the legal aspects of the case. Rachel Walling, an FBI agent, and Xavier "Xavi" Perez, a detective, contribute to the investigation as well. Howard Elias, a murder victim, is the catalyst for the events in the book.

Character Descriptions

Harry Bosch

Harry Bosch is a seasoned detective who has dedicated his life to solving crimes and seeking justice. He is a loner, often described as relentless and driven. With his gray hair and intense eyes, Harry gives off an aura of authority and experience. He is known for his unorthodox methods and his relentless pursuit of the truth, often challenging the boundaries of the law.

Maddie Bosch

Maddie Bosch is Harry's teenage daughter. She is intelligent, mature for her age, and serves as Harry's emotional anchor. Maddie shares Harry's love for justice and often questions him when she feels he is straying from his principles. Despite her young age, Maddie possesses a keen understanding of her father's work and the complexities of the cases he investigates.

Mickey Haller

Mickey Haller is a defense attorney and Harry's half-brother. He is known for his charismatic personality and his ability to navigate the legal system. Mickey becomes involved in Harry's investigation when their paths intersect, bringing a different perspective and legal expertise to the case.

Jerry Edgar

Jerry Edgar is Harry's long-time partner within the LAPD. He is a skilled detective and a loyal friend to Harry. Jerry provides valuable support throughout the investigation, often acting as a sounding board for Harry's ideas and theories.

Elizabeth Clayton

Elizabeth Clayton is a Deputy District Attorney who works closely with Harry on the case. She is dedicated to seeking justice and upholding the law. Elizabeth's expertise in the legal field helps Harry navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Rachel Walling

Rachel Walling is an FBI agent with a history of working with Harry on previous cases. She is intelligent, resourceful, and brings a different perspective to the investigation. Rachel's presence adds an additional layer of tension and intrigue to the story.

Xavier "Xavi" Perez

Xavier "Xavi" Perez is a detective who plays a crucial role in assisting Harry with the investigation. He is diligent and determined, working alongside Harry to uncover the truth.

Howard Elias

Howard Elias is a murder victim whose death sets the events of the book in motion. He was a prominent civil rights attorney known for taking on controversial cases and challenging the status quo.

Character Traits

Harry Bosch

• Relentless
• Driven
• Unconventional
• Intuitive
• Perceptive

Maddie Bosch

• Intelligent
• Mature
• Morally grounded
• Supportive
• Inquisitive

Mickey Haller

• Charismatic
• Resourceful
• Street-smart
• Strategic
• Persuasive

Jerry Edgar

• Loyal
• Analytical
• Reliable
• Methodical
• Supportive

Elizabeth Clayton

• Dedicated
• Knowledgeable
• Detail-oriented
• Law-abiding
• Ethical

Rachel Walling

• Intelligent
• Resourceful
• Meticulous
• Independent
• Tenacious

Xavier "Xavi" Perez

• Diligent
• Determined
• Observant
• Team player
• Committed

Howard Elias

• Courageous
• Controversial
• Tenacious
• Idealistic
• Fearless

Character Background

Harry Bosch

Harry Bosch has a rich background as a detective with the LAPD. He served in the Vietnam War and has a troubled past, growing up in foster care. This background has shaped him into the determined and relentless detective he is today.

Maddie Bosch

Maddie Bosch is Harry's daughter from a past relationship. She has grown up in Los Angeles and has been exposed to her father's work as a detective from an early age. Maddie's close relationship with Harry has influenced her own values and sense of justice.

Mickey Haller

Mickey Haller comes from a family of lawyers and has built a successful career as a defense attorney. His knowledge of the legal system and his ability to navigate its intricacies have made him a respected figure in the legal community.

Jerry Edgar

Jerry Edgar has a long history with the LAPD, working alongside Harry Bosch for many years. He is a dedicated detective with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of police procedures.

Elizabeth Clayton

Elizabeth Clayton has a background in law, having worked as a Deputy District Attorney for several years. Her expertise in criminal law and her commitment to justice make her an invaluable asset to the investigation.

Rachel Walling

Rachel Walling has a background in the FBI and has worked closely with Harry Bosch on previous cases. She is known for her meticulousness and her ability to uncover hidden details.

Xavier "Xavi" Perez

Xavi Perez is a dedicated detective who has worked his way up through the ranks of the LAPD. He has a strong sense of justice and a desire to make a difference in his community.

Howard Elias

Howard Elias was a prominent civil rights attorney known for taking on controversial cases. He was driven by a desire to fight for justice and challenge the status quo.

Character Arcs

Harry Bosch

Throughout "Two Kinds of Truth," Harry Bosch faces a personal and professional crisis as he is accused of planting evidence in a previous case. This accusation puts his reputation and career at stake. As the story progresses, Harry goes to great lengths to clear his name and uncover the truth. Along the way, he confronts his own demons and navigates the complicated world of corruption and deceit. Ultimately, Harry's character arc showcases his resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Maddie Bosch

Maddie Bosch grows throughout the story as she witnesses her father's struggles and fights for his innocence. She becomes more involved in the investigation, showcasing her intelligence and resourcefulness. Maddie's character arc highlights her transformation from a supportive daughter to an active participant in seeking justice.

Mickey Haller

Mickey Haller's character arc in "Two Kinds of Truth" revolves around his reluctant involvement in Harry Bosch's case. Initially hesitant to get involved, Mickey is eventually convinced to lend his legal expertise. Throughout the story, Mickey's character evolves as he confronts his own ethical dilemmas and reevaluates his role in the pursuit of justice.

Jerry Edgar

Jerry Edgar's character arc focuses on his unwavering loyalty to Harry Bosch. As Harry faces accusations and challenges, Jerry stands by his partner, providing unwavering support. Jerry's character arc highlights his steadfastness and dedication to doing what is right.

Elizabeth Clayton

Elizabeth Clayton's character arc centers around her collaboration with Harry Bosch and the pursuit of justice. As the case unfolds, Elizabeth's commitment to her work is tested, and she must navigate the complexities of the legal system. Her character arc showcases her determination to seek justice and uphold the law.

Rachel Walling

Rachel Walling's character arc in "Two Kinds of Truth" explores her complicated history with Harry Bosch. As the investigation progresses, Rachel is forced to confront her past and the unresolved tension between her and Harry. Her character arc highlights her resilience and her ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

Xavier "Xavi" Perez

Xavi Perez's character arc revolves around his partnership with Harry Bosch and his own personal growth as a detective. Throughout the story, Xavi learns valuable lessons from Harry and becomes more confident in his abilities. His character arc showcases his development as an investigator and his dedication to justice.

Howard Elias

Although Howard Elias is a murder victim and does not have a traditional character arc, his presence drives the story forward. Through the investigation into his death, Howard's character is revealed through the testimonies and evidence surrounding his life and work as a civil rights attorney.

Relationships

Harry Bosch's relationship with his daughter Maddie is a central aspect of the story. Their bond is a source of emotional support for Harry and provides insight into his character and motivations. Harry's partnership with Jerry Edgar is also crucial to the story, as they rely on each other's strengths and experiences to solve the case.

Mickey Haller's relationship with Harry Bosch is complex due to their shared history and opposing roles as a defense attorney and a detective. Their interactions create tension and add depth to the story as they navigate their conflicting perspectives.

Elizabeth Clayton's relationship with Harry Bosch evolves throughout the investigation. They start off as colleagues but develop a mutual respect and understanding as they work together to uncover the truth.

Rachel Walling's relationship with Harry Bosch is filled with unresolved tension and a shared history. Their interactions add intrigue and emotional depth to the story, as they must confront their past while working together to solve the case.

Xavi Perez's relationship with Harry Bosch is one of mentorship and growth. Xavi looks up to Harry and learns valuable lessons from him throughout the investigation, strengthening their bond as partners.

Overall, the relationships within "Two Kinds of Truth" contribute to the complexity of the story and highlight the importance of trust, loyalty, and collaboration in the pursuit of justice.