The detective creates a relatively simple plan that allows him to ensure that Geiger's book store is not what is seems. Readers can understand Marlowe's plan and even figure out the results of his experiment pages before they become palpable.
The protagonist of The Big Sleep exemplifies many honorable characteristics in stressful situations. When Detective Marlowe encounters Carmen's naked body, he covers it up and returns her to safety at Sternwood. When the detective returns Carmen, he feels relieved that her father is not awake. This way, the General does not have to see Carmen under the influence of ether. Upon learning that Carmen's chauffeur died in the ocean, Marlowe wants the General to remain out of the situation. "Leave the old man out of it, if you can. . . He has enough troubles and he's sick" (50). In these instances, Chandlers" direct, no-nonsense style successfully portrays the admirable, caring aspects of Marlowe. Simple dialogue between characters allows readers to observe the respectable and sensitive side of the protagonist and drives this quintessential detective story. .
Throughout the unraveling of the many complexities of the plot, Detective Marlowe serves as the paragon of a gentleman who can resist temptation and treat women with respect and dignity. Carmen constantly flirts with the detective and acts if she is in love with him. Just minutes after meeting the detective, Carmen begins her flirting. "Then she lowered her lashes until they almost cuddled her cheeks and slowly raised them again, like a theater curtain. I was to get to know that trick. That was supposed to make me roll over on my neck with all four paws in the air" (5). Marlowe naturally picks up on her failing passes and acknowledges that she has a very low maturity level. Although Carmen has already made a fool of herself, she continues to try to woo Marlowe. After she looks like an idiot because she falsely accused Joe Brody of murdering Geiger, (when she knew he did not,) and having to have a gun wrestled out of her hands by Marlowe, she continues her immature acts.
