In Laura Wilkinson’s novel American Spy, the characters of Marie and Slater exhibit a complex and multifaceted approach to ethics. Throughout the novel, the two characters are forced to confront difficult moral dilemmas and must navigate a complex web of competing moral principles.

One of the most prominent ethical frameworks that is evident in Marie and Slater’s decision-making is deontology, the belief that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. For example, when Marie is faced with the decision of whether to betray her country by passing classified information to the Haitian government, she struggles with the knowledge that her actions will have far-reaching consequences, but ultimately decides to act on principle. As she reflects, “I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do what I knew was right” (Wilkinson, p. 189).

In contrast to Marie’s adherence to deontological principles, Slater’s approach to ethics is more utilitarian, focusing on the maximization of overall happiness and well-being. This is evident in his willingness to manipulate and deceive others in order to achieve his goals. For example, when he is tasked with recruiting Marie as a spy, he uses emotional manipulation and lies in order to gain her trust and convince her to join the mission. While his actions may be seen as unethical by some, Slater justifies them by arguing that they are necessary for the greater good.

Another key ethical framework that is evident in American Spy is virtue ethics, which emphasizes the importance of developing and maintaining character traits that are considered morally good. Both Marie and Slater exhibit a strong commitment to certain virtues, such as loyalty and courage. For Marie, this is evident in her willingness to risk her life and career in order to protect the people of Haiti from oppressive regimes. For Slater, it is evident in his determination to see the mission through to completion, even in the face of great personal danger.

Feminist ethics also play a role in the novel, as Marie grapples with the ways in which her gender impacts her ability to navigate the male-dominated world of espionage. Throughout the novel, Marie is forced to confront the ways in which her gender makes her vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination, and she must find ways to assert her agency and autonomy in a field that is traditionally dominated by men.

Finally, global ethics are also at play in American Spy, as the novel explores the complex and interconnected nature of international politics. As Marie and Slater carry out their mission, they must consider the impacts of their actions not only on their own country, but also on the global community. In the end, their decisions have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the boundaries of their own nation.

Overall, American Spy presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of ethics, showing how individuals must navigate a web of competing moral principles in order to make difficult decisions. Through the experiences of Marie and Slater, the novel illustrates the ways in which ethical frameworks such as deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, feminist ethics, and global ethics can all play a role in shaping an individual’s moral compass.