The novel opens with the protagonist, Tom Ripley, having a paranoid feeling that someone is following him. When Tom is finally approached by the mystery man, we find out that it is a man named Herbert Greenleaf. He approaches Tom because he is in hopes that Tom will travel to Europe (on Greenleaf’s dime) and bring back his son, Richard Greenleaf. Even though Tom is not that close to Dickie, he thinks much about this offer since he is ready to get out of the rundown apartment he is staying at, in Manhattan.
The first chapter introduces us to Ripley and Mr. Greenleaf. We also get to know what Dickie is about without meeting him. I noticed how much Mr. Greenleaf misses his son. It is apparent when he talks about his son with so much passion. He thinks the world of Dickie. He mentions that Dickie is “talented” in boating, math and art (all in different conversations). I found this interesting since the novel is titled "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Highsmith is using a hint of foreshadowing by constantly mentioning Dickie’s talents, when we know that he may not be the talented one after all.
Who is Tom Ripley?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Ripley
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