The Brethren: Plot, Characters, and Key Story Elements
1- Story Beginnings: Grisham initiates two separate narratives in the first two chapters. The first focuses on the judges (the Brethren), detailing their imprisonment and activities. The second introduces presidential candidate Aaron Lake, supported by the CIA. These stories converge when the three judges begin blackmailing Aaron Lake.
2- The Brethren: The Brethren are a group of three judges, sentenced as criminals. They were imprisoned by a governor who opposed forward-thinking judges like Finn Yarber.
3- Teddy Maynard’s Role: Teddy Maynard, the CIA director, is crucial. He aims to prepare for a potential attack against Russia and supports Aaron Lake’s presidential bid.
4- Aaron Lake’s Candidacy: Aaron Lake is considered ideal for president due to his perceived honesty and commitment to protecting the USA against Russia. He becomes a candidate with CIA backing and funding from military equipment industries.
5- The Case of “Picasso against Sherlock”: Sherlock is accused of urinating on Picasso’s roses. Picasso demands that this stop and seeks $500 for damages.
6- Ricky’s Center: Ricky is an expensive rehabilitation center for wealthy youths with drug problems.
7- Trevor Calson: Trevor Calson, the judges’ lawyer, is important for assisting them with their pen pal scam. He dies at the end of the book. He is a clever character.
10- Terrorism in Aaron Lake’s Campaign: Terrorism is a key issue in Aaron Lake’s campaign. He promises to respond to terrorist attacks, which resonates with the public.
11- Wilson and Jadi Argrow: Wilson Argrow, a CIA agent whose real name is Kenny Sands, and Jadi Argrow, actually Roger Lytter, a CIA agent with a law degree, play significant roles. They keep their true identities secret from the Brethren. They met on his first visit to Trumble.
15- Story Conclusion: Aaron Lake becomes President of the USA. The CIA discovers the three judges are blackmailers and plans to deal with them.
1- Story Beginnings: Grisham initiates two separate narratives in the first two chapters. The first focuses on the judges (the Brethren), detailing their imprisonment and activities. The second introduces presidential candidate Aaron Lake, supported by the CIA. These stories converge when the three judges begin blackmailing Aaron Lake.
2- The Brethren: The Brethren are a group of three judges, sentenced as criminals. They were imprisoned by a governor who opposed forward-thinking judges like Finn Yarber.
3- Teddy Maynard’s Role: Teddy Maynard, the CIA director, is crucial. He aims to prepare for a potential attack against Russia and supports Aaron Lake’s presidential bid.
4- Aaron Lake’s Candidacy: Aaron Lake is considered ideal for president due to his perceived honesty and commitment to protecting the USA against Russia. He becomes a candidate with CIA backing and funding from military equipment industries.
5- The Case of “Picasso against Sherlock”: Sherlock is accused of urinating on Picasso’s roses. Picasso demands that this stop and seeks $500 for damages.
6- Ricky’s Center: Ricky is an expensive rehabilitation center for wealthy youths with drug problems.
7- Trevor Calson: Trevor Calson, the judges’ lawyer, is important for assisting them with their pen pal scam. He dies at the end of the book. He is a clever character.
10- Terrorism in Aaron Lake’s Campaign: Terrorism is a key issue in Aaron Lake’s campaign. He promises to respond to terrorist attacks, which resonates with the public.
11- Wilson and Jadi Argrow: Wilson Argrow, a CIA agent whose real name is Kenny Sands, and Jadi Argrow, actually Roger Lytter, a CIA agent with a law degree, play significant roles. They keep their true identities secret from the Brethren. They met on his first visit to Trumble.
15- Story Conclusion: Aaron Lake becomes President of the USA. The CIA discovers the three judges are blackmailers and plans to deal with them.