Craft of Riordan

Riordan uses several literary styles in writing The Lightning Thief:

1. Third Person and 1st Person: Percy is referred to in both first and third person. In the beginning of the book, Percy speaks directly to the audience. This first person narrative draws the reader in from the beginning knowing somehow that they will be part of this great quest. Once the reader has been drawn in, Riordan switches to a third person narrative in order to better explain all the events surrounding Percy. If continuing in 1st person we would only see the world through Percy's eyes, in turn finding many holes in the plot of the book. Instead, we understand that while Percy is busy defeating monsters and figuring out his place, Poseidon and Zeus are quarreling over the loss of a trident.

2. Riordan also follows very closely to Freytag's Pyramid of story development:

He introduces minor conflicts and problems that all lead up to a central climax. This "rising action" manifests itself in the form of disputes between Poseidon and Zeus, games of Capture the Flag in which Percy learns of his powers, disputes between him and sons/ daughters of other major gods, etc. There is also the period of "supposition." While this does come later, it nevertheless follows the correct sequencing. We are introduced to characters before major developments in the plot. In the beginning we are introduced to characters at Percy's school, and later Riordan introduces us to characters at the "special school" for the gods.