The Secret Place

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, sexual violence and harassment, bullying, gender discrimination, and substance use.

Stephen is a working-class detective on Dublin’s cold case squad. He is working-class and is not ashamed of his roots. He takes pride in his humble upbringing but harbors no rancor toward the affluent, and he hopes to gain upward social mobility through hard work. In a monologue during which he discusses the issue of social class in Dublin, he notes, “I never saw why I should hate what I wish I had” (31). When confronted with the well-to-do students at Colm’s and St. Kilda’s, he is mindful of the fact that their privilege shapes their identities and behaviors, but he feels no hostility over the fact that they have far more money than he did at their age. 

Holly seeks Stephen out because she recalls how respectfully he treated her during their last case, and Antoinette allows him to direct most of the interviews with the girls because she can see that he easily develops a rapport with them. Although Stephen does not actively seek connections with his colleagues, he and Antoinette develop a healthy working relationship and feelings of mutual respect.