Larry LaSalle

• Quote 1

  • “A bright pied piper”
  • This metaphor highlights Larry’s charismatic and magnetic personality, especially with the young people at the Wreck Centre. It also foreshadows danger — the Pied Piper leads children away, just as Larry later betrays the trust placed in him.
• Quote 2

  • “He was our hero, even before he went to war.”
  • Larry is idolised by the community, especially Francis and Nicole. His early portrayal as a local hero sets up a powerful contrast with his later actions, creating a deep sense of betrayal.
• Quote 3

  • “A touch of Fred Astaire in his walk.”
  • Suggests Larry is charming, confident and admired. This glamorous image contributes to the public mask he wears, hiding his darker nature.
• Quote 4

  • “Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things?”
  • This line shows Larry’s attempt to justify or minimise his assault on Nicole. It raises complex questions about redemption, morality, and whether past good deeds can cancel out serious wrongdoing.
• Quote 5

  • “There was a whiteness in his hair, although he was only in his thirties.”
  • Larry is physically changed by war, just like Francis. However, the “whiteness” could also symbolise a loss of innocence or exposure of guilt — a man now visibly marked by his past.
• Quote 6

  • “You couldn’t have stopped me, anyway, Francis.”
  • This chilling moment reveals Larry’s complete lack of remorse. He sees his power over others — particularly Nicole and Francis — as absolute, showing how deeply manipulative and morally corrupt he is.
• Quote 7

  • “Stay close to me.”
  • This quote, seemingly innocent at first, becomes deeply sinister in hindsight. It shows how Larry uses trust and mentorship as a disguise for his predatory behaviour.