Lotus

Sydney is one of the two main protagonists and narrators. As she is more expressive and unguarded than Oliver, she becomes slightly more important than he. While Oliver’s abduction provides the key event for the story, Sydney’s reaction to Oliver’s return propels the book.

Oliver is Sydney’s (eventual) romantic partner and “one true love,” and the plot centers on their reunion. Oliver clearly wants Sydney, so Sydney’s reluctance sows tension and doubt about a happily-ever-after. Before Oliver’s kidnapping, Sydney committed to marrying Oliver. Losing him caused her to put up “walls.” With relationships, she’s reserved and defensive. Sydney declares, “I didn’t have a heart to give. My heart was with a ghost” (442). Sydney’s stark diction reinforces the dark romance genre, as she presents herself as tormented by Oliver’s absence. Now that Oliver is present, she doesn’t want to hurt him. Her caution comes across as pity, pushing Oliver to tell her, “I’m not made of glass. You won’t break me” (397). Sydney’s character arc consists of letting her love for Oliver develop again, which leads to her eventually committing to a relationship with him. 

Sydney is a complex character. Separate from Oliver, she appears fun and open to experiences.