Character Analysis: Anne
Quick Facts
Anne is Sarah Morgan's loyal and dedicated assistant. Initially appearing as a modest and sweet-natured employee, she becomes a pivotal figure in the central mystery. Her admiration for Sarah leads her to take extreme measures, with unforeseen consequences. Anne's character is a crucial plot device, an unwitting pawn in Sarah's plan and a symbol of manipulated loyalty.
Who She Is
Anne is the picture of a devoted assistant, initially presented as a background character whose primary role is to support Sarah. However, beneath her unassuming exterior lies a fierce loyalty and a willingness to take drastic action. Her actions, driven by a desire to protect Sarah, propel the plot forward and reveal the dark undercurrents of the seemingly perfect marriage.
Personality & Traits
Anne's defining characteristic is her unwavering loyalty to Sarah, whom she sees as a mentor and friend. This devotion motivates her actions throughout the novel, leading her down a path of misguided intervention.
- Loyal and Devoted: Anne's defining characteristic is her unwavering loyalty to Sarah, whom she views not just as a boss but as a friend and mentor. This devotion is the primary motivation for her actions throughout the novel.
- Eager to Please: She is consistently ready and willing to help Sarah, often working long hours without complaint and anticipating her needs.
- Observant: Despite her quiet demeanor, Anne is highly observant. She is the one who discovers Adam Morgan's affair with Kelly Summers during a personal photography trip to the lake house.
- Deceptively Proactive: While she appears timid, Anne is capable of taking decisive, if misguided, action. She secretly photographs Adam and Kelly and sends him a threatening note, revealing a protective instinct that goes far beyond her professional duties.
- Impressionable: Anne idolizes Sarah to the point that she begins to emulate her style and mannerisms. This makes her susceptible to Sarah's influence and manipulation.
Character Journey
Anne's journey begins as a background figure, an efficient and respectful assistant. However, her character gains complexity when she discovers Adam's affair and takes matters into her own hands. Sending the threatening note marks a significant shift, transforming her from a passive employee into an active participant in the Morgans' drama. Her development culminates in the final chapters, where her role as Sarah's alibi is confirmed. The epilogue solidifies her status as an unwitting pawn in Sarah's scheme, a tragic figure whose loyalty was exploited as part of a theme of Betrayal and Deception.
Key Relationships
Sarah Morgan: Anne deeply admires Sarah, and their bond blurs the lines between professional and personal. Sarah protects Anne from workplace harassment and treats her as a confidante. However, this closeness is ultimately a tool for Sarah, who uses their night out for drinks as a perfect alibi and leverages Anne's loyalty to her advantage.
Adam Morgan: Anne's perception of Adam is entirely negative, shaped by his betrayal of Sarah. She sees him as the source of her friend's pain and feels justified in her actions against him. Her discovery of his affair is a catalyst for the central conflict.
Bob Miller: Anne is a victim of Bob's condescending and demanding behavior at the firm. Her fear of him highlights her initially timid nature and provides an opportunity for Sarah to demonstrate her protective instincts, further solidifying Anne's loyalty.
Defining Moments
Anne's actions and revelations significantly impact the plot, revealing her hidden depths and the extent of her devotion to Sarah.
- Drinks with Sarah: Anne goes out for drinks with Sarah on the night of Kelly's murder. This event, which seems like a simple friendly outing, is later revealed to be the cornerstone of Sarah's alibi, making Anne an unknowing accomplice.
- The Threatening Note Revealed: During Adam's chaotic confrontation at the law office, he accuses Anne of sending the threatening photo. Anne confesses, explaining her motive was to force Adam to end the affair or confess to Sarah. This revelation drastically shifts the dynamics of the investigation.
- The Interrogation: When questioned by Sheriff Ryan Stevens, Anne sticks to her story. Her account of the night of the murder provides a consistent timeline that supports Sarah's alibi, demonstrating her unwavering, though manipulated, loyalty.
- The Epilogue: Sarah's final confession reveals that she orchestrated the entire plot, including using her night out with Anne to secure an alibi. This moment re-contextualizes all of Anne's actions, showing her to be a key but entirely unaware piece in Sarah's theme of Power, Control, and Manipulation.
Essential Quotes
“The door of my office opens, and my sweet-looking assistant pops her head in. She’s a petite woman with shoulder-length brown hair, and although she doesn’t turn heads, she’s pretty in a modest way.” (Chapter 3)
This quote introduces Anne as a seemingly unassuming character, emphasizing her modest appearance and quiet demeanor. It sets the stage for the later revelation of her more assertive actions, highlighting the contrast between her outward appearance and her inner resolve.
“But I didn’t kill Kelly. I wouldn’t. I couldn’t. And I wanted to tell you. But I couldn’t, so I just… I sent the threat. I wanted him to fess up.” (Chapter 44)
This quote reveals Anne's motivation behind sending the threatening note to Adam. It underscores her desire to protect Sarah and her belief that Adam's affair was the root of the problem.
“Don’t tell me not to worry about you. You’re my best friend, Sarah. I would do anything for you. Please know that I’m here.” (Chapter 19)
This quote encapsulates Anne's unwavering loyalty and deep affection for Sarah. It highlights the extent to which she is willing to go to support her friend, setting the stage for her unwitting involvement in Sarah's scheme.