People interpret others’ actions as good or bad depending upon their morals. This ambiguity is reflected in John Burnside’s novel The Devils Footprints which leaves us asking ourselves the questions about morality and human nature. An intimate first person narrative is used to bring empathy and support to a story that may otherwise inspire disgust as the narrator struggles to come to terms with his actions due to his sadistic tendencies. Michael Gardner is the protagonist whom the reader may sympathize with due to his inherent good nature. In Jason Mittel’s Complex T.V. The Poetics of Contemporary Television Storytelling, explanations can be found to help the audience rationalize the sympathy towards morally dubious characters. Burnside’s novel