The House in the Cerulean Sea

Linus is the protagonist of this novel. As the narrative utilizes a limited third-person perspective, the reader’s understanding of the world of the novel is filtered through him. As such, Linus’s compassion, courage, and journey to overcome feelings of worthlessness and a lack of belonging are at the forefront of the story. Compassion is perhaps the most emphasized and developed aspect of Linus as a character. Though the people of EUM choose him to go to the orphanage for the reliable objectivity he demonstrates in his reports, they likely did not see or acknowledge the degree to which Linus can empathize with others. The reader is aware of this aspect of his character after the opening scene in the orphanage, in which Linus is kind and gentle with the young telekinetic girl; his reassurance and belief that she did not intend to hurt anyone reflect an ability to see the good in the people around him. The brief references to his own upbringing suggest that the source of his compassion may at least partially be his feelings of worthlessness and distance from other people. As someone who feels he exists on the fringes, it is likely easier for Linus to feel compassion for people who are similarly positioned.

Another important aspect of his character is his courage. Linus himself would certainly argue with this assessment, but the trait is on display throughout the novel. At every opportunity when Linus could remain quiet and go unnoticed in moments of conflict, he instead steps forward and speaks against cruelty and discrimination. Linus describes himself as a man with the good sense to avoid danger, but he frequently steps into it in small ways. Simply traveling to the island and getting out of the car, weighted by the knowledge of Lucy’s origins and title, is an act of bravery. On the group’s trip to the village, Linus stands up to a number of people in defense of the children’s safety and feelings. He throws himself bodily at a locked door to come to Lucy’s aid and steps between the owner of the ice cream parlor and the children. During the confrontation on the docks, Linus not only verbally defends the island, but also puts himself between a thrown rock and Helen.

Linus undergoes a significant shift over the course of the novel as he leaves his lonely, gray life and forms loving relationships at the Marsyas Orphanage that give him a sense of belonging. Towards the end of the novel, Linus’s choice to argue with EUM on behalf of the orphanage, to smuggle out files revealing mistreatment, and to quit and return spontaneously to the island are acts of true bravery that require Linus to step far outside of his comfort zone and take a risk that could cost him everything.