Deceptive Appearances

The driving narrative force in "Back in Black" is the secret or hidden nature of each character. As they try to protect their secrets, or to cope with them, their behavior creates conflict that becomes apparent to those around them. In a world with very little parental supervision or interference, the rest of the group is the only safeguard many of these characters have. Appearances are most deceiving in the case of Parker, who seems to be as rich as his friends; however, just beneath the surface is a boy who has very little money and who has earned everything that he does have. He covers this very well, because of his experience as an actor. Similarly, Anna and Sam, who appear to have everything, are suffering beneath the surface: Anna with her feelings for her ex-boyfriend, as well as her friend's boyfriend, and Sam with her...