The Soulmate: A Novel

Sally Hepworth

The Soulmate: A Novel

Sally Hepworth
58 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2022

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Pippa is a wills and estates lawyer who relies on stability and order in her life. She works full-time from her home in the affluent residential area of Portsea while her husband cares for their two young daughters. She views herself primarily as a helper and organizer for her family, remaining deeply devoted to her husband despite his unpredictable nature.

Key Relationships

Husband of Gabe Gerard

Mother of Freya Gerard

Adoptive Mother of Asha Gerard

Sister of Kat

Acquaintance of Amanda Cameron

Acquaintance of Max Cameron

Amanda is the wealthy wife of a successful media executive. Growing up with an unfaithful father and a devoted mother, she resolved early in life to view marriage strictly as a practical arrangement rather than an emotional vulnerability. She tells her side of the story posthumously, sharing observations about her past relationship and the immediate aftermath of her fall.

Key Relationships

Wife of Max Cameron

Acquaintance of Pippa Gerard

Connected to Gabe Gerard

Gabe is an energetic, charismatic stay-at-home father who recently moved his family to Portsea for a fresh start. He has a history of impulsive behavior and shifting career interests, having worked most recently finding investors for an online media business. Since moving to their cliffside home, he has earned a local reputation as an "angel" for successfully talking multiple distressed individuals away from the edge.

Key Relationships

Husband of Pippa Gerard

Father of Freya Gerard

Father of Asha Gerard

Former Employee of Max Cameron

Connected to Amanda Cameron

Max is a wealthy and successful media executive who married his wife under the strict condition that they would not have children. He presents himself as a mild-mannered and considerate gentleman, though he possesses a ruthless, uncompromising edge in his business dealings. He carries a deep sadness regarding his family history of mental health struggles.

Key Relationships

Husband of Amanda Cameron

Former Employer of Gabe Gerard

Acquaintance of Pippa Gerard

Business Associate of Arthur Spriggs

Employer of Mei

Supporting Characters

Kat is Pippa's protective sister. She lives nearby in Portsea with her wife, forming part of a tight family support system. She pays close attention to Pippa's marriage and frequently expresses concern about her sister's wellbeing.

Key Relationships

Sister of Pippa Gerard

Wife of Mei

Mei is Kat's pregnant wife and Pippa's sister-in-law. She works for Max Cameron's company, giving her an inside perspective on Gabe's professional history. She observes the dynamics of Pippa's household with a critical, cautious eye.

Key Relationships

Wife of Kat

Sister-in-law of Pippa Gerard

Employee of Max Cameron

Freya is the four-year-old daughter of Pippa and Gabe. She is a quiet, observant child who frequently wears matching outfits with her sister. She relies entirely on her parents' protection and care.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Pippa Gerard

Daughter of Gabe Gerard

Sister of Asha Gerard

Asha is the adopted, outgoing four-year-old daughter of Pippa and Gabe, born just six months after her sister Freya. She asks direct, perceptive questions and displays high emotional intelligence for her age.

Key Relationships

Adoptive Daughter of Pippa Gerard

Daughter of Gabe Gerard

Sister of Freya Gerard

Detective Tamil is a local police officer tasked with investigating the death at The Drop. The detective approaches the questioning with a casual demeanor that masks a sharp, detail-oriented investigative style.

Key Relationships

Investigator of Gabe Gerard

Investigator of Pippa Gerard

Arthur Spriggs is a wealthy businessman with disreputable underground connections. He invests heavily into Max's online media business, bringing a dangerous element into the executives' professional lives.

Key Relationships

Business Partner of Max Cameron

Business Contact of Gabe Gerard

Baz is an imposing security professional who works directly for Max. He handles difficult tasks and physical intimidation on behalf of his employer.

Key Relationships

Employee of Max Cameron

Dev is the owner of the Pantry, a local café in Portsea. He interacts regularly with the local residents and seeks out Pippa's legal services for his estate planning.

Key Relationships

Client of Pippa Gerard