He had written a book, a novel, and would she like to read it?”
-- Narrator (Before)

Importance: Very early in the novel, Susan –remarried and with kids –hears from her ex-husband, Edward. Edward wants to know if Susan would be willing to read his latest manuscript, Nocturnal Animals. Susan’s decision to read not only worries her, but sets off the events of the novel itself.

Help us, please.
-- Helen (Nocturnal Animals 3)

Importance: When Tony and his family are run off the road with a flat tire by Ray and his thugs, things quickly get out of control. Ray sexually touches Helen, hits Tony, and knocks Laura to the ground. A passing pickup truck stops when Helen waves to it, and she screams and begs the driver for help. The driver continues on when he sees Ray has a tire iron in his hand.

Once again the fright warning, hide in the ditch. He resisted. You must...
-- Narrator (Nocturnal Animals 5 (continued))