Authority: A Novel

John Rodriguez, most often referred to by his nickname “Control,” is the narrator and protagonist. Control is thoughtful, athletic, smart, power-hungry, prideful, observant, careful, non-committal, and logical. He describes himself as a “fixer” and enjoys problem-solving. Based on his love of solutions and his keen, smart perspective, Control believes he can enter new situations and point out areas of improvement. He wants to not only be able to command himself, but he craves the respect and power of leadership. Thus, his job as the director fits his personality well; in this role, Control immerses himself in a tough problem (solving Area X) and exercises his authority over others, though people like Grace do not listen to him. Being undermined upsets Control, as he yearns to be valued and admired like his powerful mother Jackie. Control often feels he has fallen short, especially after he failed in his first mission in the field.

Control's biggest flaw is his extreme need to be in control of his life. He wants his surroundings, cohorts, and even superiors to fit into his ideals, and for the people and environment to work with him, rather than against him. The hypnosis Control endures is a uniquely suited conflict for him, since being manipulated against his will goes directly against his requirement to have self-control. The fact he committed actions under someone else’s bidding makes him explode at The Voice, then engage in other destructive behaviors, such as binge drinking, to cope with the fact he was used. His need for control also makes him the perfect foil for Area X, which cannot be known or governed. Area X pushes him into losing his self-control often. Despite his best efforts and his intelligence, Control cannot figure out Area X or make an impact that makes any difference. Instead, Control becomes more on edge and disoriented with the pressure of Area X upon his shoulders. Control slowly loses his perception of control over himself or others. Though he resists that loss to his own psychological and physical detriment for most of the novel, he eventually learns to surrender.

Besides the work-related conflicts that force him to grow, Control must also face a personal dilemma when he chooses to put Ghost Bird above his mission’s goals. Though his military career has kept him from forming intimate relationships, his connection with Ghost Bird makes him realize he wants a meaningful connection. He only ever felt close to his father, and no one made him experience heartfelt emotions until Ghost Bird. He shares a compulsive, unique pull toward her that he does not understand, but he admits he cares for her, and Grace agrees: “‘You had [Ghost Bird] sent away?’ Said so quietly that Grace asked him to repeat it. ‘You had formed too much of an attachment. You were losing your perspective’” (267). Control’s relationship with Ghost Bird pushes him to find out his loyalties are not to his job or his past self—the one who needed to be in control, composed, and knowledgeable—but to be his new, free, risky self. He even takes the plunge into Area X, something he never would have done before meeting her. He comes to recognize that the bureaucracy and control he had clung to his whole life had been harming him and chooses the freedom of the unknown instead.