Call It What You Want

Sloane Hart is the protagonist and first-person narrator of the novel, and her journey of emotional maturation and self-discovery provides the narrative’s central arc. As a dynamic and round character, her development is catalyzed by her tumultuous, undefined relationship with Ethan Brady. Her last name is symbolic: Sloane leads with her heart. Initially, she embodies the hopeful romantic who believes in the redemptive power of love, a trait that draws her to the charming but emotionally damaged Ethan. She perceives him as a project, someone whose traumatic past can be healed by her affection and patience. This perspective fuels the theme of The Fallacy of Saving a Partner Through Love, as Sloane repeatedly excuses his emotional unavailability, attributing it to his past rather than his self-centeredness. Her internal monologue reveals a tendency to shoulder the blame for his inability to commit, frequently causing her to question her own value. After their first significant breakup, she asks herself, “Am I not enough?” (85), demonstrating how her self-worth is tied to his validation.

Sloane’s primary transformation occurs when she begins to cultivate self-worth through her creative and professional work.