1. In Cold Blood The non-fiction-fiction balance

2. What are some of the characteristics of fiction and nonfiction?

3. How would you characterize Dewey based on the text? Why might Capote stretch the truth and outright lie regarding Dewey’s actions and decisions?

4. Why is it important for Capote to characterize Perry as being out of control (not deliberate, unconscious) when murdering the Clutters?

5. Why would relying on his own recollection be a better choice for achieving his purpose than using tape recorders?

6. What are the “narrative tricks of a novel?” (This is, after all, called a “nonfiction novel.”)

7. How would the “truth” of a story be obscured by a journalist honoring the “implied transaction” that exists between journalist and subject?

8. Why would Perry open up so much to Capote?

9. Which is more important: the “narrative agenda” or the prohibitions of nonfiction writing? Why?