Structure

...

Beginning 

“Hostage” begins in medias res, with the exposition of the main conflict and of Mark, one of the most important characters: “ ‘I’ve got a gun! Aimed right at her head. See? Take a look for yourselves. You make one move to come in here, I’ll blow her away!’ ” (p. 156, ll. 1-3). The opening sentences also hook readers’ attention, making them curious about what is going to happen next.

After a description of the Brooklyn setting, the story introduces Walker, the main character, who is a police negotiator (p. 156, l. 12). Further information about Mark  and his mother is also presented:

‘His name’s Mark Weston. Age twenty-three. Got two priors, indecent exposure and attempted B&E. Got probation both times. Sees a psychiatrist. Lives off his mother’s social security check – that’s her up there in the wheelchair.’ (pp. 156-157, ll. 29-30, ll. 1-2)

The narrative continues with Walker’s backstory. Readers find out that he was a sniper in Vietnam (p. 157, l. 26) and that he worked as a cop…