In "The Red Pyramid" by Rick Riordan, the protagonist, Carter, reflects on the sorrowful nature of certain characters he encounters. He questions why they appear so melancholic, leading to a thoughtful speculation about their fate. Carter concludes that their sadness arises from the fact that they are dead, hinting at the heavy themes of loss and the afterlife present in the story.

This exchange emphasizes the emotional weight carried by those who have experienced death, suggesting that their unresolved issues or past lives contribute to their feelings. Riordan explores complex elements like grief and the impact of mortality, which resonate throughout the narrative as characters navigate the challenges posed by both the living and the dead.