Toby Hawthorne is the story’s second protagonist and narrator. He is a character defined by his trauma and redemption arc. Initially, he is introduced as a young man with amnesia who recklessly burned down the mansion with Kaylie inside. In the aftermath, he navigates both physical pain and emotional uncertainty; even before his memories fully return, he frames himself as “the villain of [his] life’s story” (59), yet his actions reveal a deep capacity for love.

Toby does not remember his previous life for a long time, and thus his entire existence is based around Hannah. His love for her is unwavering, even in the face of guilt and trauma: “I loved you when the world was pain and the only thing that made sense was your eyes. I loved you before I knew to hate myself, and I have loved you every day since” (184). This love drives much of his personal growth, as he confronts past mistakes and trauma along the way to self-honesty and forgiveness. Notably, it is Hannah who saves his life when he remembers his involvement in Kaylie’s death and considers death by suicide—a point that underscores Hannah’s role in his broader redemption arc.

Toby is also highly perceptive; he notices nuances in Hannah’s behavior and emotional state that others overlook. As Hannah remarks, “He was brilliant. He was hungry. He was gentle. And he never missed picking up on a damn thing, especially when it involved me” (178). His attentiveness makes him both a mirror and complement to Hannah, who is similarly observant but sometimes struggles to see herself clearly.

Jackson is a secondary but pivotal figure in the story. He is both a protector and mentor to Toby and, indirectly, to Hannah. From the outset, he mediates Toby’s physical and emotional care and is the first to call out his errors. He guides Toby during his recovery from injury and amnesia, often reminding him of the consequences of his actions and how they affect Hannah. In this, Jackson’s role extends beyond caretaking; he also acts as a moral guide and helps propel the story’s theme of self-honesty and the path to forgiveness by refusing to let Toby lie to or hate himself.

Jackson demonstrates subtle emotional intelligence. He understands the bonds forming between Hannah and Toby before they themselves do. Though he is protective to a fault at times, he ultimately acknowledges Toby’s love and capacity for growth, even hinting at his fatherly feelings for the younger man.