One by One

Compare and contrast Erin and Liz, the novel’s narrators. How are they similar, and how are they different?

Explore how the alternating perspectives impact the novel’s flow. How does it impact the reader’s view of the characters? How does it help or hurt the mysterious elements of the book? What effect do these changing perspectives have on the reader?

There are three types of conflict in this novel: man versus nature, man versus self, and man versus man. Choose one of these conflicts and discuss how it is exhibited and resolved throughout the novel.

Technology, and the lack thereof, plays an important role in One by One. Discuss how technology shapes the course of the book. Consider how both its presence and absence impacts the characters and the plot.

By the end of the book, it is clear that Liz is an unreliable narrator who concealed key information from the reader and therefore prevented herself from being suspected. However, there are hints throughout the novel that Liz may be more involved than initially believed. Identify and analyze the details that Ware includes to hint at the fact that Liz is the murderer.

Erin spends much of the novel avoiding her past and does not attempt to establish deep relationships. By the end of the novel, she is returning home and has a deep platonic affection for Danny. Using direct evidence from the novel, explain how and why this transition occurs.

Appearances are important to many characters in this novel and are often used to hide the truth. Select one character and discuss how their appearance differs from who they really are. Do they use their appearance to highlight something about themselves, or are they trying to conceal who they really are?

How does the setting function within the novel? Could this novel happen anywhere else?