Silas's Tragic Arc

Silas, a devout Opus Dei monk, is manipulated by the Teacher and Bishop Aringarosa, leading to murder and his own death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Silas's Past

The Ghost's Origin The Childhood Silas was born an albino and was abused by his father. He killed his father in self-defense and fled to the streets. He was imprisoned in Andorra, where an earthquake freed him. The Rescue Bishop Aringarosa found Silas in Oviedo, half-dead, and nursed him back to health. He gave Silas a new identity and purpose. Silas became a devoted follower of Opus Dei, practicing corporal mortification to atone for his sins.

The Murderer's Mission

Following Orders The Four Murders Silas, believing he is doing God's work, kills the four Priory leaders. He extracts the same lie from each, thinking he has found the keystone. He is driven by faith and the desire to serve the Teacher. The Saint-Sulpice Failure At Saint-Sulpice, he discovers he was tricked. In a rage, he kills Sister Sandrine. He then reports to the Teacher, who reassures him that all is not lost.

Silas's Death

The Final Act The Police Siege Silas hides at the Opus Dei Centre in London. The police arrive, and in the ensuing shootout, Silas accidentally shoots Bishop Aringarosa. Horrified, he carries the bishop to the hospital. The End After leaving Aringarosa at the hospital, Silas goes to Kensington Gardens, where he dies from his wounds. He prays for forgiveness, believing he has been a tool of God. His tragic end is a result of blind faith and manipulation.

Flashbacks during the novel

The night of the killings

The next day, in London