And Then There Were None is a mystery in which the author lets you get to know each character in depth, it is full of characterization. The personalities of the characters change throughout the book, showing that guilt can have a big effect on people. The theme of guilt having an effect on people is shown by how over the course of the book the characters" obsession with their crime increases to the level of hallucinations. The author first shows what each person thinks at the beginning of the book. Later the characters think about the crimes of which they were accused. Towards the end the characters become full of guilt, lessening their chances of survival.
When the characters are first introduced they are confident of themselves and do not feel guilty of anything. Philip Lombard is hired to go to Indian Island and to be at the disposal of the host. He seems confident that all will go well at the island. " .No there wasn't much he"d draw the line at. He fancied that he was going to enjoy himself at Indian Island ." (pg.9) Miss Emily Brent had received an invitation to go to Indian Island for a holiday. "Emily Brett thought to herself: "I shall be getting a free holiday at any rate." (pg.10). As they become aware of the strange situation with their hosts, all the guests, ten in total, get a little awkward and confused. "It was as if the mention of their host and hostess had a curiously paralyzing effect upon the guests." (pg.21).
The uneasiness of the characters becomes obvious after their being accused of different crimes. At night, in the privacy of their own bedrooms, the guests think about the events of the evening and of the murders of which they were accused. General Macarthur could not sleep, "In the darkness he kept on seeing Arthur Richmond's face." (pg.60) Vera Claythorne begins to remember what had happened in her past. "It was no good trying not to think of Hugo. He was close to her.
