The Passage trilogy readalong discussion

Based on the 'Before Virus' chapters then, what do we think of Brad Wolgast?

Like many of the character's in this series, his story is tragic. From the before virus chapters, we're given a hint of his innate "goodness"... an innate goodness that has been challenged by circumstances and desperation. We only really get a hint of who he is in The Passage.

I love Wolgast. My heart ached for his loss of his own daughter and subsequent loss of the woman he loved. He finds redemption through Amy and in turn Amy finds the love of a father she never had. It is probably the purest relationship theme in the book. Amy learns unconditional love. In return, Wolgast, who could not save Eva, could save Amy.

I think Mr. Cronin poured his own feelings toward his own daughter into that relationship.

He's probably the most interesting B.V. character for me. He is a man who has found himself doing terrible things, but who knows morally that he needs to stop. However, the point of his existence, Lila, has gone from his life and although he dreams of other things, this job gives him a purpose and stops him having to face reality (and his grief).

The chapter where he takes Amy to the fair is well done I feel. He gets to experience what he didn't get to experience with his own daughter and that emptiness he has been talking about throughout his chapters is filled by her presence.

I think that you are 100% right about Wolgast pouring his own feelings into this relationship, Beth :)

While I warmed to Wolgast fractionally more than the other characters BV, I can't say I was particularly taken with him. As Tori said of Jeanette in the other thread, it all feels a bit heavy-handed and I found the pace really dragged. I've zipped on ahead, and am enjoying the PV sections (and characters) far more.

I like Wolgast. I like that his story was so tragic, but he kind of just kept going, even if he was extremely troubled by his past. I always heard Tommy Lee Jones when I was reading any of Wolgast dialogue. As far as the Amy/Wolgast connection, it seems to me that this was more on Wolgast's end. He obviously views Amy as the daughter he lost and, in some way, is attempting to set things right by helping her. I still think that the virals connect to one person, or should I say, one person at a time.
Marc remarked that he enjoyed the chapter where they attend the fair. I liked this too. I think it is what makes Wolgast finally decide that taking Amy to NOAH is wrong. Wolgast has a strong sense of morality and justice, but he is also a man who does his job. In the end, this conflict plays out when he is directed to retrieve Amy.

He is still one of my favourite characters in the entire series, and I wish we had more time with him. I had a sinking feeling he'd need to go, to allow Amy to continue on her inevitable journey, but it didn't make the departure (or his death) any easier.