The First Gentleman

Cole Wright, the titular first gentleman, is the husband of the first female president of the United States. Cole was a star football player at Dartmouth College, an Ivy League university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. While there, he met and dated Maddy Parsons (who later became President Wright). They broke up after graduation, and he went on to play for the New England Patriots. After leaving the team following a knee injury, he reconnected with and married the future President Wright. While playing for the Patriots, Cole dated cheerleader Suzanne Bonanno, who was later murdered. The plot of the novel focuses on whether he was involved in the crime.

Cole loves his wife and fully supports her political career. He is happy to give speeches at political events to improve relationships with his wife’s allies. He enjoys the attention and adulation from their supporters. Their loyalty to and love for each other anchors the novel’s thematic exploration of Relationships as a Source of Support and Strength.

President Madeline Parsons Wright is the first female president of the United States. The authors portray her as a savvy political operator who is willing to play “hard ball” to garner support for her key legislative initiative,