Gold Digger

Ollie serves as the love interest, romantic hero, and secondary point of view. He is intelligent, principled, protective, idealistic, bossy, and loyal to his family, though his privilege often blinds him to the struggles of those outside his world. Born into immense wealth and status as a member of the royal family, Ollie embodies the theme of The Impact of Economic Disparity on Relationships. His relationship with Lottie forces him to confront the unearned advantages that he has taken for granted, challenging his beliefs about control, fairness, and wealth: “Lottie would be a full-time student once I got my way. And I always got my way. My girlfriend wasn’t going to be cleaning houses or eating leftovers or any of that shit” (101). This is especially evident in the bar scene where he rescues Lottie from the men’s harassment—highlighting his nobility and tendency to act without fully understanding her struggles. He wants to assist Lottie in any way he can, but he initially can’t grasp the harsh realities of her life, leading to frustration, miscommunication, and unintentional condescension.

Unlike Lottie, who has fought to survive, Ollie has never had to question his security or status. This stark contrast creates a natural conflict between them. Despite his genuine love for Lottie, he underestimates her financial struggles and sacrifices. He even calls $50,000 a “measly” amount—when, for Lottie, it’s life-changing. His heartbreak over Lottie’s acceptance of Margot’s deal forces him to confront his own flaws, including his rigid moral expectations. Over time, he begins to see beyond his own perspective, developing true empathy and realizing that his way is not always best.

His tendency to act as a protector and commander rather than an equal partner also leads to clashes. He often criticizes Lottie’s decisions without knowing about her traumatic past or the fact that she must provide for Hayley. Ollie gains great self-awareness and open-mindedness because of Lottie. In fact, as he begins to see the world through Lottie’s eyes, Ollie admits that he’s acted terribly and works to better himself; he realizes that Lottie’s mother “let her and Hayley down,” that foster care “taught her to conform to what everyone else wanted,” that Margot showed her how easily they could “cut someone like her out,” and that he is to blame “most of all […] for being a stupid prick” (230). He feels guilty for hurting Lottie more than anyone, which fuels his change. Because of Lottie’s dissimilar background and positive influence, Ollie develops more empathy and releases authority. He also learns that he can’t fix everything with money or his status and that love is not about saving someone but about standing beside them as an equal.

Ollie’s arc mirrors Lottie’s because both must learn to trust, compromise, and let go of fear. By the end, his transformation is clear in his willingness to apologize, listen, and fight for Lottie—not as her savior but as her partner. His decision to stand against society’s expectations and choose love over status solidifies his growth. In his climactic moment at Hayley’s hearing—when he ensures that Lottie wins custody—Ollie proves that he’s not just a privileged royal but a man capable of humility, vulnerability, and devotion. Through Ollie, the novel explores how power and class imbalances shape relationships but suggests that love, when built on understanding, forgiveness, and respect, can bridge any divide.

Hayley is Lottie’s eight-year-old half-sister and an essential secondary character. She is a quiet, sensitive, and perceptive child who experiences selective mutism as a result of past trauma (neglect and loss of her parents). Though she rarely speaks, Hayley’s presence carries great emotional weight, symbolizing resilience and childhood grief. Shy yet affectionate, Hayley clings to Lottie as a protector and mother figure, reinforcing the novel’s themes of sisterly love, self-sacrifice, and survival. She is soft-spoken and timid, often communicating through nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and gestures. Despite her silence toward anyone but Lottie, Hayley is insightful and emotionally intelligent like her sibling. She senses tension and offers quiet comfort, such as when she reveals to Lottie that Blake pushed her into the pool but warns her not to make a fuss about it or risk their security with Ollie.

Hayley is the reason why Lottie accepts Margot’s deal—showing that Lottie’s choices aren’t selfish but rooted in an unshakable love for her sister. Hayley represents a priceless future worth fighting for, pushing Lottie to give up her romance. Her silence speaks volumes, emphasizing the cost of the sisters’ shared trauma but also the strength of their bond. Despite her deep attachment to Lottie, Hayley slowly begins to expand her world, forming a surprising and heartwarming connection with Ollie: “Hayley’s smile got bigger, and my chest tightened. I decided then and there that making this little girl smile was going to be my new favourite pastime” (171). Initially cautious, she considers Ollie a safe and stable presence, developing an attachment to him that surprises and softens Lottie.

By the conclusion, Hayley undergoes significant growth. She finds her voice—both literally and figuratively. With the kindness of her socially outgoing new friend Florrie, she begins to speak more, giggle, and interact with kids at her new private school. This newfound confidence marks a turning point in her healing—emphasizing that love, security, and patience help the most fragile souls bloom: “‘Family,’ Hayley repeated, and then she smiled. And it wasn’t one of her small smiles she used to placate me; no, this was a proper happy, teeth-showing beam” (250). Her arc mirrors Lottie’s in many ways because she learns to trust, to open up, and to embrace a future no longer ruled by fear. Hayley’s transformation highlights how the most vulnerable figures can experience profound change when they feel safe and loved.

Vicky is a vital minor character whose honesty, directness, and high intellect make her stand out. Candid and unfiltered, she speaks her mind without hesitation, unafraid to challenge others or state the truth: “‘Mrs H sure as shit isn’t invisible,’ Claire put in. ‘What is it she calls you, Ols?’ ‘Fancy, pretty-boy, trust-fund, namby-pamby git,’ Vicky said, as always remembering everything with perfect clarity” (64). Many of Vicky’s defining traits stem from her neurodivergence. As someone on the autism spectrum, she experiences the world differently, navigating social interactions with varying degrees of comfort. She is exceptionally blunt and highly analytical, with a tendency to process situations in her own distinct way. Like Hayley, she uses symbolic nonverbal communication, reinforcing the exploration of Neurodiversity and Acceptance. Her journey centers on self-sufficiency, understanding others, and using nonverbal cues to navigate her anxieties and social challenges—especially through her bond with Lottie.

Without Vicky, Lottie wouldn’t have found financial stability or reconnected with Ollie. Their business ventures help both women improve; Vicky hones her ability to read social cues, while Lottie sharpens her psychological, intuitive skills. Their partnership thrives as Vicky’s intellectual strength and emotional vulnerability complement Lottie’s professional growth as her assistant. Their relationship also parallels the novel’s themes of protectiveness and found family. When Vicky has a severe sensory reaction to fireworks, Ollie’s fierce protectiveness over her mirrors Lottie’s unwavering care for Hayley. Lottie’s failure to remove Vicky from the situation in time sparks Ollie’s anger, underscoring his concern for both women.

Beyond their work, Vicky is Lottie’s closest friend and defender, offering unwavering support during some of Lottie’s toughest moments. For example, at the pool party, Vicky makes a pivotal stand, declaring Lottie’s real name and stating that she despises alcohol—emphasizing the strength of their bond: “‘Lottie is her legal name,’ Vicky said firmly […] ‘And why are you giving her champagne? She doesn’t drink.’ Vicky turned to [Ollie]. ‘You know she doesn’t drink, and she hates the smell too because her mother was an alcoholic’” (225). This moment, along with others, illustrates Vicky’s transformation from a socially detached individual into someone capable of offering love, protection, and empathy. Her arc highlights that acceptance and patience allow even the most unique individuals to find belonging.

Margot is a complex and influential minor character whose actions drastically alter the novel’s trajectory. Though not a direct antagonist, she creates tension and conflict, particularly through her well-intentioned but misguided decisions. When she investigates Lottie and offers her a severance package, Margot’s choice changes lives—providing Lottie with financial security and Hayley with therapy but jeopardizing her son’s chance at true love: “She was serious, I could sense that, but there was something else too, almost like…hope? […] She expected me to decline” (112-13). She doesn’t want Lottie to accept the deal in case she could love Ollie, yet she prioritizes what she views as order and stability over love’s unpredictability. Like her son, Margot likes control and believes that her way is best, convincing herself that she’s doing the “right thing” in offering Lottie money. Her influence is undeniable, shaping key moments in the story for better and worse.

Margot is defined by her privilege, entitlement, and belief that she has all the answers—not just for her son but also for Lottie. She initially tries to mold Lottie into their world, calling her “Charlotte” instead of accepting her name and the working-class identity it signals. However, despite her authoritative tendencies, Margot is maternal and loving. She treats Hayley with genuine kindness, and despite her strict expectations, she recognizes Lottie’s goodness.

Margot’s growth is subtle but significant. She comes to accept Lottie on her own terms, standing alongside her and Hayley at the hearing as a sign of her evolving perspective. She also feels ashamed of her actions and supports Ollie and Lottie’s marriage whole-heartedly.

Her arc highlights themes of acceptance, control, and the complexity of doing what one believes is right—sometimes at the cost of others’ happiness.