Every Vow You Break: A Novel

Peter Swanson

49 pages 1-hour read

Peter Swanson

Every Vow You Break: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Abigail is a publishing professional living in New York City. She seeks financial and emotional stability following a volatile past relationship and the financial ruin of her parents' theater company. Though she appreciates the security her wealthy fiancé offers, she struggles with pre-wedding anxiety and questions her readiness for the commitments of marriage.

Key Relationships

Fiancée of Bruce Lamb

Best friend of Zoe

Briefly connected to Eric Newman / Scottie

Daughter of Lawrence And Amelia Baskin

Ex-girlfriend of Ben Perez

Former romantic interest of Zachary Mason

Ex-girlfriend of Todd Heron

Bruce is a wealthy tech investor who offers to pay off Abigail's student loans early in their relationship. He is highly organized and orchestrates grand romantic gestures, including a surprise honeymoon to an exclusive, technology-free resort in Maine. He provides the financial security Abigail has been seeking since her parents' bankruptcy.

Key Relationships

Fiancé of Abigail Baskin

Friend and partner of Chip Ramsay

Friend of Darryl Cho

A charismatic man whom Abigail encounters during her bachelorette trip. He and Abigail agree to use aliases to maintain a sense of anonymity during their brief interaction. He later appears in New York and on her honeymoon, expressing a strong attachment that causes Abigail significant anxiety.

Key Relationships

Romantic interest of Abigail Baskin

Supporting Characters

Chip is the owner of the Quoddy Resort on Heart Pond Island. He runs the exclusive, off-the-grid retreat catering to wealthy tech figures seeking a secluded environment. He presents a calm, corporate demeanor while managing the isolated property.

Key Relationships

Business partner of Bruce Lamb

Employer of Mellie

Employer of Bob Kaplan

Jill is a fellow newlywed spending her honeymoon on Heart Pond Island. She quickly bonds with Abigail, sharing her unease about the resort's atmosphere and the unexpected presence of someone from her past.

Key Relationships

Wife of Alec Greenly

Confidant of Abigail Baskin

Ex-fiancée of Porter

Mellie is a staff member at the exclusive Heart Pond Island resort. She assists guests with the limited amenities and understands the unique operations of the isolated retreat. She occasionally interacts with Abigail, offering cryptic observations about the island's environment.

Key Relationships

Employee of Chip Ramsay

Acquaintance of Abigail Baskin

Lawrence and Amelia are Abigail's parents, residing in her hometown of Boxgrove, Massachusetts. They are permanently separated following the financial failure of their summer theater company and Lawrence's history of emotional affairs. Their struggles significantly influence Abigail's desire for a predictable and secure future.

Key Relationships

Parents of Abigail Baskin

Zoe is Abigail's loyal best friend. She offers a grounded perspective when Abigail experiences doubts and provides emotional support during the stressful periods leading up to the wedding.

Key Relationships

Best friend of Abigail Baskin

Acquaintance of Darryl Cho

Alec is a newlywed guest at the Quoddy Resort. He spends his time on the island with his wife, Jill, navigating the exclusive and isolated environment alongside the other wealthy guests.

Key Relationships

Husband of Jill Greenly

Porter is a guest at the Quoddy Resort. His unexpected presence on the isolated island causes distress for his former fiancé, who is trying to enjoy her honeymoon.

Key Relationships

Ex-fiancé of Jill Greenly

Ben is a poet and Abigail's former long-term boyfriend. Their relationship was characterized by frequent arguments and his intense focus on his career, eventually leading to their breakup in New York.

Key Relationships

Ex-boyfriend of Abigail Baskin

Zachary is an actor who worked for Abigail's parents' theater company. He is the man with whom a teenage Abigail loses her virginity, marking an early moment of rebellion in her life.

Key Relationships

Former fling of Abigail Baskin

Todd is Abigail's steady boyfriend during her high school years, whom she leaves in order to remain single for her senior year.

Key Relationships

Ex-boyfriend of Abigail Baskin

Bob Kaplan is a private detective present on Heart Pond Island. He is tasked with investigating disturbances on the resort grounds to maintain the peace and privacy of the high-profile guests.

Key Relationships

Employee of Chip Ramsay

Darryl is Bruce Lamb's best man. He participates in the wedding festivities and shares a brief, drunken encounter with Zoe during the reception.

Key Relationships

Best man for Bruce Lamb

Wedding acquaintance of Zoe