In Mark’s former life prior to the virus, he considered himself a mediocre man. In what ways has the apocalyptic circumstances of the new world order changed him? How has he become exceptional? 

Mark notes that there are three versions of his Last Night story that he tells, depending on circumstance: the Silhouette, the Anecdote, and the Obituary. In what circumstances have these different versions of his Last Night story appeared? What do they tell us about Mark and his relationships with those around him? 

The various soldiers and civilians at Fort Wonton distinguish stragglers from typical skels based upon their distinct demeanors; the former seemingly haunt the landscape and are generally harmless, whereas the latter are hostile. Why is it important that Whitehead creates two different types of infected beings?