“Seb had seen me through at least four career changes, and had been nothing short of overwhelmingly enthusiastic with each and every one, assuring me that I was ‘made for it.’ Yet, as each phase came and went and I’d be lamenting on the sofa at how useless I was, he’d convince me that I was never really cut out for it in the first place.”

In addition to being a brutally honest character, Seb is unconditionally supportive of Emily. Unlike Adam, who later belittles Emily’s years of career fluctuation (see Important Quote #4), Seb never makes Emily feel any less for dabbling or changing her mind. Seb provides a reliable, constructive relationship for Emily.

“[T]here was a growing part of me, the part that no one saw, that hoped this was something. I wasn’t brave enough, or stupid enough, perhaps, to be singing from the rooftops that Adam was ‘the one.’”

Emily outwardly maintains a strong and confident persona; inwardly, she is timid and unsure of herself. Emily guards the vulnerable parts of herself from others. Adam uses these more vulnerable parts of Emily against her, manipulating her to his advantage.

“But no matter how hard I tried, we always ended up talking about me, even when I was the one asking the questions [...] Adam’s constant deflection left me wondering: What did I really know about him?”

Early in their relationship, Adam demonstrates his ability to control Emily through conversations. Adam exerts power over his and Emily’s relationship by driving their discussions. Sandie Jones uses foreshadowing by having Emily question the nature of Adam’s character early on.