Normality
From the second chapter, the idea that everything is normal is created through the description of the characters' behavior. They do not act scared, but rather adapt to their new conditions. In one instance, one of the prisoners even takes out a cigarette and begins to smoke with the others watching. The image of Victor Fyodorov smoking creates the impression of normality, idea that is accentuated even further as the plot progresses.
Not your housekeeper
The vice-president had humble beginnings, being born in a modest family and climbing the social ladder until he became the vice-president of a country. But he still maintained his humble ways and among the other characters in the novel, he appears to be the only one who doesn’t mind doing what is told and caring for the others. In the third chapter for example, the vice-president makes sure that everyone has what they need and that they are confortable. Thus, through his actions, the vice-president portrays himself as a caring and selfless man, not ashamed to help the others around him.
No hands
At one point, father Arguedas is allowed to make an outside call to try provide Roxanne with music sheets. During the call, father Arguedas is asked by his friend if the rumors surrounding Cristopf’s death were true. Apparently, those from the outside believed that Cristopf was killed by the terrorists and that his arms were cut off. This points towards the idea that the general population believed the terrorists to be monsters, killing without a real reason and being savages, mutilating innocent people. But the reality is completely different and it does not coincide with how the terrorists really are.
Innocent
Slowly, relationships began to form between the terrorists and the hostages. For example, Watanabe falls in love with Carmen, one of the girls from the terrorists’ group. But the way she reacts when she notices that Watanabe is intrigued by her points towards the fact that she in innocent despite her being a terrorist. Carmen blushes when she catches Watanabe looking and her and acts uncomfortable when he goes to speak with her. Her behavior thus portrays her as a normal girl, unsure on how to react around men and inexperienced.
