In "A Fire on the Moon," Norman Mailer describes Wernher von Braun as a man of contrasts. Despite his large, imposing physique that suggests a certain brutal authority reminiscent of a Russian bureaucrat, his voice is surprisingly small and less commanding. This juxtaposition highlights the complexity of his character, making him seem both powerful and unassuming.

Beyond his physical presence, von Braun's darting eyes and expressive lip movements reveal his dynamic personality. These traits suggest that he is not just a straightforward figure but rather someone who embodies a mix of ruthless determination and vulnerability. Mailer uses these descriptions to illustrate von Braun's multifaceted nature, emphasizing how he navigates the complexities of his life and work in the realm of space exploration.