The Minds of Billy Milligan

Style and Technique

The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes is crafted in a style of documentary fiction, blending both literary and journalistic techniques. The author narrates from a third-person perspective, allowing a deeper dive into the psychology of the characters and an understanding of the medical and legal aspects of Billy Milligan's case. The detailed character development, including the depiction of the multiple personalities of the main character, is based on real events and documents, lending the text a special credibility and depth. Literary devices such as dialogues, letters, and court documents are effectively used to explore the theme of split personality and the influence of society on individual identity. The book's structure, alternating between descriptions of Milligan's life events, his trial, and therapy, helps maintain the reader's attention and the narrative's momentum.