Bill Hoffman is the protagonist of the novel. Bill begins the novel having a nightmare that showcases his anxiety in regard to his position as a leader and protector of those who fly on the planes he pilots. Beginning the novel this way frames Bill as a man who takes his job seriously and would never do anything to endanger those who trust him to get them to their destination safely. This framing plays directly into the plot of the novel as Bill will soon be faced with a choice between protecting his family or the souls on his plane.

When Bill leaves his home the morning of his flight, he and his wife are arguing. Bill trusts that his relationship with his wife is strong enough to survive this argument and continuously checks his phone with the hope that his wife will contact him. This interest in communication shows a depth of love and respect in his marriage that includes a level of trust that she wouldn’t allow him to take the flight without talking out their differences. Bill’s level of attachment to his family is strong, laying the foundation for the theme of

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