The Better Sister

The novel explores the complex dynamics of families by primarily focusing on the relationship between the sisters, Chloe and Nicky. The siblings’ estrangement, caused by jealousy, resentment, and betrayal, is central to the psychological depth of the story. By depicting the sisters’ forced reunion and confrontation of old emotional wounds, Burke conveys how love, loyalty, rivalry, and animosity can coexist within a single familial bond.

The dynamic of the Macintosh sisters’ relationship is embodied in the representation of Chloe as the “better sister.” The high-achieving younger sibling is known for her discipline and self-control. By contrast, Nicky is depicted as the rebellious and impulsive older sibling, whose life has been marked by instability, addiction, and failed relationships. Their opposing personality traits and life choices put them at odds with each other. Burke uses the concept of Chloe as the “good” sister and Nicky as the “bad” to illustrate how familial roles are often defined in childhood and become fixed over time, even when people change. From the beginning of the novel, Chloe’s judgmental tone when describing her sister demonstrates her assumption that “Nicky [is] still a problem” (33). Meanwhile, Nicky’s reference to her sister as “Saint Chloe” conveys her perception of her sister as sanctimonious.