"Miro, The Terrorist With a Conscience"

In this student-written piece, Haddie Bratwaite reflects on the character of Miro, in After the First Death. Specifically, she explores the sympathetic side of his nature that exists in contrast to his acts as a terrorist. Beginning with a look at his early life, Bratwaite argues that survival instincts shape Miro's nascent identity - that his desire to belong supersedes the better part of his nature. She cites his 'mask-wearing' as a sign of his need to distance himself from his terrorist identity. She also discusses Miro's complicated relationship with Kate - which tap into his repressed sexual identity. The division in Miro's personality comes to a head when he decides to kill Kate in an effort to truly and finally belong. Her death cements his identity as a terrorist.