52 pages • 1-hour read
Julie ClarkA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Claire is a woman trapped in a seemingly perfect but deeply abusive marriage to a prominent New York philanthropist. Desperate to escape her controlling husband, she spends months secretly saving money and acquiring fake identification to start a new life. Her meticulously planned escape to Canada is derailed by a sudden itinerary change, forcing her into a panicked, improvised swap of identities at an airport bar.
Eva is a former university chemistry student whose life derailed after an ex-boyfriend betrayed her to campus authorities. She now manufactures and sells drugs for an underground syndicate in Oakland, California. Feeling increasingly trapped and paranoid as federal agents begin tracking her activities, she arranges an impromptu identity swap at an airport in a desperate bid to sever ties with her criminal handlers.
Identity swapper with Claire Cook
Girlfriend of Dex
Friend of Liz
Investigated by Agent Castro
Drug supplier to Brittany
Rory is a wealthy New York philanthropist preparing to announce a run for the United States Senate. The scion of a prominent political family, he projects a polished public image that conceals his violently controlling nature and history of domestic abuse. He maintains tight surveillance over his wife through his dedicated staff and possesses the resources to track down anyone who crosses him.
Husband of Claire Cook
Former husband of Maggie Moretti
Employer of Bruce Corcoran
Employer of Danielle
Former lover of Charlotte Price
Liz is a visiting professor living temporarily in an Oakland apartment complex. Unpretentious and warm, she befriends her younger neighbor after a chance meeting on the building's steps. She provides a listening ear and gentle maternal support, completely unaware of the dangerous criminal enterprise operating nearby.
Friend of Eva James
Mother of Danielle
Kelly is an observant barista and single mother working at a local coffeeshop. Balancing multiple jobs, including work at a catering business, she possesses a straightforward kindness. She intuitively senses when someone needs a break and generously offers employment and assistance to a newly arrived stranger.
Friend of Claire Cook
Dex is an operative in an Oakland drug syndicate who coordinates illicit deals and supplies orders. He acts as the intermediary between the street-level dealers and the organization's broader network. He maintains a close, controlling relationship with his primary drug manufacturer, using both affection and intimidation to keep her in line.
Boyfriend of Eva James
Agent Castro is a federal investigator actively tailing members of an Oakland drug ring. He makes his presence deliberately known to suspects, utilizing intimidation tactics in hopes of pressuring low-level operatives into cooperating as informants against larger targets.
Investigator of Eva James
Danielle is an administrative assistant working for the Cook Foundation. She manages complex travel logistics for her boss and closely observes the troubling dynamics within the Cook household. Her proximity to power forces her to quietly navigate the dangerous reality of her employer's behavior.
Bruce is the loyal chief of staff for the Cook family. He manages sensitive logistical changes, coordinates public relations, and handles any loose ends that might threaten an upcoming political campaign. He serves as an extension of his employer's authority.
Chief of staff for Rory Cook
Handler for Claire Cook
Maggie is a woman whose life ended tragically in a massive house fire. Her tumultuous marriage to a prominent public figure left a long shadow of rumor and speculation regarding the true nature of her death.
First wife of Rory Cook
Charlotte is a former employee of the Cook Foundation bound by a strict nondisclosure agreement. She possesses knowledge about past events at a country house and represents a significant liability to an upcoming political campaign.
Former mistress of Rory Cook
Petra is an old high school friend who works at a gym in New York. She serves as a rare, trusted confidante for a woman secretly preparing to leave a highly dangerous domestic situation.
Friend of Claire Cook
Brittany is a college student who attempts to purchase an unusually large quantity of pills, claiming she is going on vacation. Her nervous demeanor instantly arouses the suspicion of her supplier.
Prospective client of Eva James
Kate is a national news anchor for CNN based in Washington. She handles high-profile interviews and manages the broadcasting of explosive breaking stories, carefully vetting sources before going on air.
Interviewer of Claire Cook