The Ministry of Time

The Ministry of Time’s protagonist is the story’s unnamed narrator. Before the dramatic present, she worked as a translator in the Languages department of the British Ministry of Defence. In her role as a bridge, her character develops largely through her relationship with Graham, her internal conflicts, and the motivations behind her choices. Early in her relationship with Graham, the narrator demonstrates sensitivity regarding the difficult situation he’s in, and a desire to not overwhelm him any more than necessary. She’s empathetic and well-intentioned. Despite this, she’s not particularly competent professionally. She has failed the field agent exams twice, and whenever she and Graham face a crisis, she’s nearly frozen by fear. In addition, her romantic feelings impair her ability to protect Graham and perform her job.

The narrator’s conflict between her efforts to maintain professionalism and her attraction to Graham permeates the entire storyline. The novel portrays her as having little control over her actions because her desire for him is stronger than any other motivator. As their relationship develops both professionally and romantically, the narrator becomes conflicted by her two roles. As Graham’s bridge, she has a protective, almost parental relationship to him. Her simultaneous sexual desire for him creates an intense cognitive dissonance that leaves the narrator feeling lost and ashamed.