Style
The books are written in the style of fast-paced action, and follow a simple and predictable storyline (see below). Most of the creative effort is devoted to highly detailed descriptions of events and technology that are not necessarily mandatory to get the story across. Determination, perseverance and the tendency to overcome hopeless odds are trademarks of the main characters, who, in difficult situations, use humor to further antagonize their opponents or to lift their own spirits. Often, the activities of the main characters are described over action packed consecutive days as they become more determined and more exhausted.
In the later novels Dirk Pitt meets an odd, eccentric individual, sometimes explicitly identified as Clive Cussler, sometimes hinted at ("C.C." or something similar). This cameo appearance by the author is relatively unusual in modern novels. Dragon (1990) is the first novel in which a character identified as Clive Cussler appears. However, in Night Probe! (1981) the character of Prof. Preston Beatty bears a striking resemblance to Cussler. The characters usually cannot remember who the character of Cussler is between his appearances, though they do find him familiar. It is hinted in some novels that the character of cussler is consciously aware of the two having met before. In most cases cussler comes to aid of pitt and frequently giordino as in flood tide where he loaned them a boat
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Famous quotes containing the word style:
“The difference between style and taste is never easy to define, but style tends to be centered on the social, and taste upon the individual. Style then works along axes of similarity to identify group membership, to relate to the social order; taste works within style to differentiate and construct the individual. Style speaks about social factors such as class, age, and other more flexible, less definable social formations; taste talks of the individual inflection of the social.”
—John Fiske (b. 1939)
“Each child has his own individual expressions to offer to the world. That expression can take many forms, from artistic interests, a way of thinking, athletic activities, a particular style of dressing, musical talents, different hobbies, etc. Our job is to join our children in discovering who they are.”
—Stephanie Martson (20th century)
“The flattering, if arbitrary, label, First Lady of the Theatre, takes its toll. The demands are great, not only in energy but eventually in dramatic focus. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a star to occupy an inch of space without bursting seams, cramping everyone else’s style and unbalancing a play. No matter how self-effacing a famous player may be, he makes an entrance as a casual neighbor and the audience interest shifts to the house next door.”
—Helen Hayes (1900–1993)