Antiques

Throughout the novel, the characters are often surrounded by historical artifacts. Lois' antique shop as well as Daniel's work restoring old furniture, act as symbols of the individual's unchangeable past. Because much of the narrative is consumed by Lois, Daniel, and Susan's work to sort through memory and trauma, the antiques act as a symbolic gateway to the buried events of childhood and youth.

Gustavo

Susan's first boyfriend, Gustavo is a symbol of ideal intimacy. Though Gustavo suddenly disappears from Susan's life, he remains as a representation of what love could be. Susan compares her relationship with Gustavo to all relationships that follow. His ability to see Susan for who she truly is, shapes him as the penultimate version of pure attachment and closeness.

Danny Rollings

The serial killer involved in the Gainesville murders, Danny Rollings is a symbol of reactive trauma. After the murders, Susan...