What Happens in Paradise

As the novel’s protagonist, Irene is a dynamic and round character whose journey of discovery forms the central narrative arc. In the wake of her return to Iowa City from her trip to St. John, she finds herself more at odds than ever with the meticulously curated life she and Russ built together. Back at home, she’s forced to confront the willful ignorance she always extended to their family finances and the details of Russ’s career, areas she ceded control of years ago. Russ’s own words, shared posthumously by his lawyer, become a guiding principle and a heavy burden: “Irene is the only person I trust to do the right thing” (14). This statement forces her to consider who she is and who she wants to be. Her transition from passively unaware to actively seeking the truth allows her to reclaim her sense of agency and explore new possibilities for life and love.

Hilderbrand presents Irene’s primary character trait as resilience. Despite the profound shock and grief of Russ’s betrayal, she does not retreat. Instead, she returns to St. John, determined to embrace new experiences.