Cue for Treason

Peter is the novel’s protagonist and the first-person narrator. His narrative voice is retrospective, looking back as an adult with the benefit of hindsight, making explicit that this is a coming-of-age story. Despite this past-tense framing, Peter’s narration is usually immersed in the present action, creating pace and excitement. Geoffrey Trease contrasts these two time frames to allow adult Peter to comment on the circumstances of young Peter. This duality of voice helps to guide the young reader through the emotions and moral lessons of the narrative. It prevents the story from becoming too frightening as it shows that Peter’s survival and safety is assured and frames his dangerous adventures in a voice of amusement and urbanity. Trease often uses direct address to build the reader’s rapport with Peter “I was frightened […] so would you have been” (19). This style invites the reader to relate to Peter, creating the tone of a friend sharing a story. Moments like this add to Peter’s roundedness as a character: He is not a fearless hero, but often terrified of capture due to the harsh physical punishment or torture he may face.