Kelly Summers Character Analysis
Quick Facts
Kelly Summers, also known as Jenna Way, is the mistress of Adam Morgan and the murder victim at the center of The Perfect Marriage. She first appears in the Prologue and her death sets off the chain of events that unravel the secrets within the Morgan family. Her key relationships are with Adam, her lover, and Sarah Morgan, Adam's wife.
Who Was She?
At first glance, Kelly Summers appears to be a simple victim—a beautiful, carefree woman caught in a tragic affair with a married man. However, as the investigation into her murder deepens, a far more complex picture emerges. Kelly is revealed to be living under an assumed identity, concealing a past marred by suspicion and violence. She is not just a pawn in a game of marital discord, but a woman with her own secrets and motivations, making her a central figure in the novel's exploration of Betrayal and Deception.
Personality & Traits
Kelly's personality is a carefully constructed facade, designed to elicit sympathy and manipulate those around her. While she presents herself as vulnerable and innocent, her actions reveal a cunning and calculating nature.
- Seductive and Alluring: Adam is immediately drawn to her "sparkle of her blue eyes and her carefree attitude," describing her as effortlessly captivating.
- Manipulative: She fabricates stories of abuse at the hands of her husband, Scott Summers, to gain Adam's sympathy and secure his protection.
- Secretive: Living under the alias Kelly Summers, she hides her true identity as Jenna Way, a woman accused of murdering her first husband, adding layers of mystery to her character.
- Vulnerable: Beneath the surface, there is a sense of a damaged woman, scarred by her past and forced to construct elaborate lies to survive.
Character Journey
As Kelly is murdered at the beginning of the novel, her character does not undergo a traditional arc. Instead, the reader's perception of her evolves dramatically as new information comes to light. Initially portrayed as a sympathetic victim of circumstance, she is gradually revealed to be a complex and deceptive figure. The revelation of her true identity as Jenna Way and her history of being accused of murdering her first husband shifts her from a victim to a suspect. Ultimately, she is revealed to be a pawn in Sarah's elaborate scheme for Revenge and Justice, a casualty in a war she didn't even know was being fought.
Key Relationships
- Adam Morgan: Kelly is Adam's mistress, fulfilling his desire for passion and excitement outside of his marriage. She skillfully plays the role of a damsel in distress, weaving tales of abuse to make Adam feel like her savior. Their relationship is built on lies, both his infidelity and her fabricated identity, highlighting the destructive nature of their affair.
- Scott Summers: Kelly portrays Scott to Adam as a violent abuser, seeking to justify her affair and garner sympathy. However, Scott's perspective suggests that Kelly was the manipulative one, twisting events to suit her narrative. The true nature of their marriage remains a point of contention, adding to the ambiguity surrounding Kelly's character.
- Sarah Morgan: As Adam's wife, Sarah is the person most directly impacted by Kelly's existence. Kelly represents the ultimate betrayal and the failure of Sarah's marriage. Ultimately, Sarah views Kelly as collateral damage, a necessary sacrifice to achieve her ultimate goal of destroying Adam, revealing the ruthless nature of her revenge.
Defining Moments
- Her Murder: The discovery of Kelly's body in the Morgans' lake house is the inciting incident of the novel, setting the plot in motion and immediately casting suspicion on Adam.
- The Fabricated Abuse Story (Chapter 18): Kelly arrives at the lake house bruised and beaten, claiming Scott is responsible. This moment solidifies Adam's role as her protector and deepens his emotional entanglement, showcasing her manipulative prowess.
- The "Jenna Way" Confession (Chapter 18): In a pivotal scene, Kelly reveals her true identity and the story of her first husband's murder. She frames herself as a perpetual victim, forever tied to Scott who "saved" her. This is the moment the reader begins to understand the depth of her deception.
- The Pregnancy Revelation (Chapter 19): The autopsy reveals Kelly was four weeks pregnant with Adam's child. This discovery adds a powerful motive for murder, complicating the case for both the prosecution and the defense.
Essential Quotes
Sometimes, I think the only way I’ll ever get away from him is in death. (Chapter 18)
Kelly utters this line to Adam, referring to her husband Scott. This quote is significant because it foreshadows her actual death and highlights her perceived helplessness. It also serves to manipulate Adam into feeling protective of her, further entangling him in her web of lies.
I was married before, and although we loved each other, we weren’t always good to each other. And my name… isn’t really Kelly Summers. It’s Jenna Way. I had to change it after what happened, after I was accused of killing my first husband. I didn’t kill him. (Chapter 18)
This confession is a turning point in the novel, revealing Kelly's true identity and her troubled past. By framing herself as a victim of circumstance, she attempts to gain Adam's trust and sympathy. The ambiguity of her innocence or guilt adds complexity to her character and fuels the mystery surrounding her death.
There are always casualties in war: Kelly was just that. (Chapter 64)
This quote, delivered by Sarah, encapsulates Kelly's role in the larger conflict between Adam and Sarah. It highlights the callousness with which Sarah views Kelly, seeing her as a necessary sacrifice in her quest for revenge. This quote underscores the theme of collateral damage and the destructive consequences of betrayal.