Setting and Premise:
* The Story: The story begins in a seemingly ordinary town, but the reader quickly learns that the town has been struck by a strange phenomenon: people are disappearing.
* The Phenomenon: This phenomenon, called "The Vanishing," is shrouded in mystery. Nobody knows why people are disappearing, what happens to them, or how to stop it.
* The Setting: The story takes place in a near-future, technologically advanced society, where people rely heavily on technology for communication and everyday life. This advanced technology plays a significant role in the story, both in its utility and its limitations.
Introduction of the Main Characters:
* Bobby Phillips: The protagonist, a 12-year-old boy who experiences The Vanishing first-hand, losing his mother in the process. He becomes a symbol of the town's collective fear and helplessness.
* Alice Albright: A seemingly ordinary young woman who is also mysteriously vanished. Bobby, who has developed a strong sense of responsibility towards Alice after witnessing her disappearance, becomes determined to find her.
* The Phillips Family: Bobby's father, a highly-respected doctor, is struggling to cope with his wife's disappearance and the growing fear in the community. Bobby's older brother, a teenager, is dealing with the fear and pressure by withdrawing from the world. The family's dynamic underscores the emotional turmoil caused by The Vanishing.
The Central Conflict:
* The Mystery: The central conflict of the story stems from the mystery surrounding The Vanishing. Why are people disappearing? What is happening to them?
* Fear and Denial: The town is gripped by fear and uncertainty, leading to paranoia and division. The inability to explain or control the phenomenon creates a sense of helplessness.
* Bobby's Quest: Bobby's desire to find Alice and solve the mystery of The Vanishing becomes his central goal, driving him to investigate and challenge the authorities' lack of answers.
Themes Introduced:
* Loss and Grief: The disappearance of loved ones, particularly Bobby's mother, is the catalyst for the story and explores the profound impact of grief and loss on individuals and families.
* Technology and Isolation: The novel critiques how technology, while seemingly designed to connect people, can also create isolation and a sense of detachment from reality.
* Hope and Resilience: Despite the fear and uncertainty, the story suggests that even in the face of great loss, hope and resilience can prevail.
Overall: The exposition of "Things Not Seen" sets up a compelling narrative, introducing the central mystery, the main characters, and the themes that will drive the story forward. The novel, while dealing with challenging issues, ultimately offers a hopeful message about the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find strength in the face of the unknown.