“Murderers don’t exist as monsters; they are men.” Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones, writes that this is what makes them most terrifying. This statement, while disturbing and true, illustrates one of the core themes in The Talented Monsieur Ripley’s moral dilemmas. Patricia Highsmith created Tom Ripley’s complex protagonist in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Although he’s clearly flawed in his sociopathic actions and humane in his character, readers are left feeling confused by him. Tom’s universal relatability is not due to our natural fascination for murder and deviation (though that plays a role), but because he remains unquestionably humane in spite of the depraved crimes he has committed. The core qualities of basic human nature are reflected in Tom’s character: his complicated affections towards Dickie, his recklessness and ambition.

Tom’s drive and ambition are his most defining traits. This allows readers to identify with his unwavering desire to improve himself. Is it possible to live without motivation or drive? We are kept alive by our constant hunger and desire for a better future. Tom is the embodiment all of these characteristics, determined to forgo his poor past and live a life of respect and prosperity. Highsmith’s huge dissatisfaction over his routine life in Manhattan and his work at odd jobs is what inspires him to create a novel. Tom, without his ambition, would have been another Bob Delancey. He would be a dissolute and indifferent man, living in a filthy apartment with equally gritty friends. Tom’s determination to be a success is what attracts the audience from the beginning chapters. Tom visualizes breathtaking scenes of grandeur as he imagines Italy after agreeing to go. Highsmith, 15, describes Tom as “a gentleman”: Dressed for dinner, walking into large dining rooms, talking with others at the table, and stumbling around like a gentleman. Tom grabs every chance to be the “gentleman” which he longs for. His relentless determination to achieve a better lifestyle overcame any doubts about traveling to an unfamiliar country for an uncertain endeavor. The distance makes it even more appealing. He can finally escape the boring, monotonous life he hates. Tom’s relentless pursuit of what he wants, despite the risks, was remarkable. In fact, it is a characteristic we greatly value in today’s society. It is not surprising that readers will identify with this character. He embodies the unwavering motivation all humans have or strive to have. In this manner, Tom’s ambition is one of his characteristics that inherently draws the audience to him, further aided by his traumatic past and naturally sensitive personality.Throughout the novel, Tom shows the traits of insecurity, self-doubt, and sensitivity stemming from his aunt’s mistreatment of him when he was younger, causing readers to feel empathetic towards his more unstable disposition. You can empathize easily with Tom, especially when you learn about his abusive aunt’s upbringing. Tom is a victim of childhood abuse and finds it difficult to trust others. Tom receives a gift box from Mr. Greenleaf, which reveals his true vulnerability. Highsmith writes that Tom has never received a bon-voyage basket before. He said that they were something he had seen in florist windows at great prices… But he suddenly felt the tears welling up in his eyes (35). This scene is undoubtedly heartbreaking. Tom has felt so lonely and unloved his whole life that he has lost sight of the genuine love and kindness that exists. He is able to express the human desire to love, which is arguably the most important trait of humanity, through the gift basket. These are moments that show Tom’s unmistakable humanity and cause the audience to feel for him. Tom’s vulnerability stems also from the fact he really hates himself, his life, and Dickie. Dickie is everything Tom longs to be: wealthy, well connected, charming, and charming. Tom idolizes Dickie. He obsesses over him and takes great pleasure in every aspect of his life. Tom feels so devastated when Dickie decides to reject him. He believes that Dickie and he were not close friends. They didn’t know one another. Tom felt it was an awful truth, that is, it was true forever, for all of the people he’d known and for all of those he’d know” (86). Dickie’s rejection hurts because it helps Tom see the “horrible facts” about the world. Society is filled with hatred and cold. Tom also realizes that he will never “know” anyone and will live his entire life in solitude, disconnected from the adventure of life. You can feel for Tom in these dark reflections and others throughout the story. Tom’s emotional sensibility makes him an empathetic character. However, the best thing about Tom is his ability to transform ambition and emotion into boldness.

Tom’s wild and reckless tendencies to thrill-seek are his most dangerous traits. They drive some of the most risky decisions in the book. However, they also create a real character who speaks to both the rule-breaker and risk-taker within all of us. Tom takes many risks throughout the novel, some of which may seem totally unnecessary or even unintelligent. Tom’s genuine humanity is revealed through his fascination for thrill-seeking. Despite his best efforts to suppress his emotions at times, he is still able to control them. Our modern-day survival television and movie shows have shown us that we all share a basic trait: the desire to feel stimulated, excited, and stimulated. These shows provide a means to satisfy our inner desire for danger. The basic need for thrill in Tom’s life can also be explained by his reckless behavior throughout the novel. The beginning of the novel is where Tom extorted people, not for money but for pure enjoyment. He could easily get caught but he keeps going at it. This risk-taking impulse manifests itself in the dangerous act of forging Dickie’s will to obtain all his wealth. Highsmith wrote that “In a certain way it was asking fright… But that was his mood.” “The days went by, and he became more and more restless, having bought his ticket to Greece in May. Although Tom is aware that forging another document would be a logical step, he can’t help but feel his “restlessness” in this dull, boring existence. Tom loves the thrill of the adventure, even though it is illegal or morally questionable, and he thrives on that adrenaline. Through the novel, he develops a phobia for taking risks and is willing to take unnecessary risk to get there. Tom is an example of the human desire for stimulation. He also represents the possibility for crime.

Tom’s ambition, insecurities & recklessness make him an example of basic human qualities that anyone can relate to. His drive, incessant stimulation and sensitive side make him an unmistakably human character. He also commits illegal and dangerous crimes. Highsmith’s true message in this sociopathic individuala is that some of the greatest human traits have the greatest potential to be used for inhumane actions. Similar to Tom’s determination and empathy, as well as his thrill-seeking nature, these traits could easily be turned to a life that is moral and upright. However, they effortlessly translate into illegal and imprudent deeds. Every human has the potential to be upright and moral, as well as the potential for cold-blooded murder. However, who says they can’t do both? There is no clear distinction between innocent and criminal. They are interconnected in an endless cycle.