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Genre

Thriller

Point of View

The narrator speaks from the point of view of several characters, describing what they see and hear. The narrator also provides background information and pieces of knowledge unknown to other characters.

Tone

Objective, earnest

Tense

Past

Setting

Present day Paris, France; Versailles, France; London, England; and the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland

Foreshadowing

Teabing’s questions to Sophie about whether she would reveal the secret to the world if she had the choice foreshadows the later revelation of Teabing’s obsession with the necessity of revelation. Rémy’s slowness in helping Teabing when Silas is assaulting him foreshadows his involvement with Silas and his desire to steal the keystone.

Major Conflict

The protagonists attempt to interpret the message left behind by Jacques Saunière and find the hidden secret of the Priory of Sion.

Rising Action

The search for the secret, which is aided by the clues left behind by Jacques Saunière

Climax

Leigh Teabing reveals himself as the man behind the murders of the Priory of Sion, and Langdon and Sophie discover who killed Jacques Saunière.

Falling Action

The protagonists go to Rosslyn Chapel, where they discover Sophie’s family. Langdon goes to the Louvre, where he discovers what he thinks is the resting place of the Grail.

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