Parents Weekend

“Huddled in the gloom, they stay still as stone. Thoughts swirling, they wonder what clues the police will find. The group chat? The social-media posts? The video of the horror that brought them here?”

The prologue in Parents Weekend foreshadows important plot points that act as clues in the investigation. These clues—along with red herrings, false leads, MacGuffins, and the criminal antagonist’s goals—are conventions of the mystery and thriller genres. The types of clues listed in this quote define technology’s central role in the plot arc and in the book’s exploration of culture, family dynamics, and law enforcement protocols.

“She’s learned in this job, among these men—even her subordinates or those she trusts, like Mitch—to never show weakness.”

This description of Cynthia develops her character and reveals the initial state in her character arc. Her personality is largely defined by her ambitious career and position of power with the State Department. To maintain and wield that power, and to protect herself and her family, she must hide any signs of vulnerability. This influences her response to Blane’s disappearance and her interactions with the investigation and demonstrates The Duality of Public Image Versus Private Reality.

“‘I forgot, you aren’t versed in liberal-speak.’ She allows herself a smile. ‘Calling them “homeless” apparently carries a negative connotation that they’re criminals. And we wouldn’t want anyone to think the unhoused man wielding a knife is a criminal.’”

The setting of Parents Weekend explores various aspects of modern culture. Author Alex Finlay often uses dialogue and character interiority to depict such cultural phenomena, as in this quote. Cynthia’s sarcastic comment about “liberal-speak” demonstrates the feelings of frustration many people harbor regarding the cultural prevalence of DEI—diversity, equity, and inclusion—initiatives in language, which are commonly associated with progressive politics.