The document discusses themes in two novels: The Alienist by Caleb Carr and The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela. For The Alienist, it identifies themes of prejudice against different groups in society and corruption within the New York police department. For The Underdogs, it discusses themes of courage during the Mexican Revolution and pride in standing up for change. Prominent characters in The Alienist include Theodore Roosevelt and an alienist named Dr. Kreizler. Demetrio Macias is identified as a driving force in the Mexican Revolution in The Underdogs. The author Mariano Azuela participated directly in the Mexican Revolution.