Paul Mack

Paul Mack Character Analysis

Quick Facts

Role: Ex-husband of Laurel Mack and father to Hanna, Jake, and Ellie
First Appearance: Chapter 1
Key Relationships: Laurel, Hanna, Jake, Ellie, Bonny

Who Is Paul Mack?

Paul Mack is the former husband of Laurel, whose marriage crumbles under the weight of their daughter Ellie's disappearance. While Laurel becomes consumed by grief, Paul attempts to move forward, creating a rift between them. He embodies a pragmatic approach to loss, seeking closure and a return to normalcy. Despite their divorce, Paul remains a constant presence in Laurel's life, eventually offering her the wisdom and support she needs to heal. He represents the possibility of finding love and happiness again, even after experiencing unimaginable tragedy.

Personality and Traits

Paul is consistently portrayed as a kind, gentle, and well-intentioned man, even amidst immense personal turmoil. Unlike Laurel, who is consumed by grief, Paul seeks ways to move forward, causing friction in their marriage. Though he remarries, his loyalty to Laurel endures, highlighting the depth of their shared history and the enduring bond forged through their children.

Kind and Gentle: Laurel repeatedly acknowledges that "Paul was a good man." He consistently tries to make others feel comfortable, even in difficult situations. For example, he is warm and welcoming to Floyd Dunn and Poppy at the family birthday dinner, easing the tension of the blended family gathering.
Pragmatic: Paul's practical mindset is evident in his desire to upgrade the car and go on holiday even as the search for Ellie is ongoing. His statement that the downgrade of the police search is "a sort of closure" is a prime example, though Laurel interprets it as a betrayal.
Conflict-Averse: During the initial police visit, he acquiesces to Laurel's sharp commands "like a browbeaten child," trying to smooth things over. This trait, while intended to ease tension, is resented by Laurel during the height of her grief.
Enduringly Loyal: Despite their divorce and his new relationship, Paul tells Laurel, "I'm still yours. I'll always be yours," affirming that their shared history and love for their children create a bond that transcends marriage.

Character Journey

Paul's journey is one of quiet resilience and the ability to rebuild after immense loss. Initially, his inability to grieve in the same way as Laurel drives them apart, leading Laurel to perceive him as weak. However, Paul's development reveals that moving on is not a sign of weakness but a different form of survival. He builds a new, happy life with his partner, Bonny, while still honoring Ellie's memory. By the end of the novel, his relationship with Laurel has transformed from a broken marriage into a profound and supportive friendship. He becomes a source of stability and wisdom for her, offering the crucial insight that helps Laurel mend her relationship with Hanna. His evolution demonstrates that love can change form and that healing is possible even after the most unimaginable loss.

Key Relationships

Laurel Mack: Paul's relationship with Laurel is central to the novel. Their shared trauma ultimately destroys their marriage because they cannot reconcile their different ways of coping with Grief, Loss, and Moving On. Laurel resents his ability to find happiness again, but they eventually reach a place of mutual forgiveness and deep, platonic love.

Ellie Mack: Paul is heartbroken by his youngest daughter's disappearance, but his grief is more contained than Laurel's. He wants to remember the good times and find a way to live with the loss, rather than be consumed by it. This difference in grieving styles contributes to the breakdown of his marriage with Laurel.

Bonny: Bonny is Paul's new partner, a warm and understanding woman who is instrumental in his healing. Her kindness and acceptance help pave the way for the entire Mack family to come together again. Bonny represents a new chapter in Paul's life, one filled with love and the possibility of a brighter future.

Defining Moments

Paul's character is defined by a series of moments that reveal his pragmatic nature, enduring loyalty, and capacity for healing. These moments highlight his strengths and weaknesses, ultimately shaping his journey throughout the novel.

The Day Ellie Disappeared: Paul is sick in bed with a cold, a physical weakness that Laurel views with disdain. His inability to match her sense of urgency and panic marks the beginning of their emotional separation.
The Downgrade of the Police Search: Paul's comment that the downgrade offers "a sort of closure" is seen by Laurel as the "final nail" in their marriage, highlighting their fundamental incompatibility in the face of tragedy. This moment underscores their differing approaches to grief and loss.
Ellie's Funeral: Paul is a pillar of support for Laurel, holding her up physically and emotionally. They share a rare moment of connection and laughter afterward, hinting at the deep bond that still exists between them.
Phone Call with Laurel: In a pivotal conversation, Paul provides Laurel with the key to understanding her fractured relationship with Hanna, telling her that Hanna needs forgiveness "for not being Ellie." This moment showcases his deep empathy and wisdom.

Essential Quotes

"Paul was not a bad man. Paul was a good man. She had married a good man, just as she’d always planned to do. But the way he’d dealt with the violent hole ripped into their lives by Ellie’s disappearance had shown her that he wasn’t big enough, he wasn’t strong enough—he wasn’t insane enough."

This quote encapsulates Laurel's initial disappointment in Paul's reaction to Ellie's disappearance. She equates his inability to mirror her intense grief with a lack of strength, setting the stage for their eventual separation.

"‘It’s a sort of closure, I guess.’ There, right there—the nal nail in the dry box of bones of their marriage."

This quote marks a turning point in Paul and Laurel's relationship. His pragmatic attempt to find closure is perceived by Laurel as a betrayal, highlighting their fundamental incompatibility in the face of tragedy.

"You didn’t lose me, Laurel. I’m still yours. I’ll always be yours."

This quote reveals Paul's enduring loyalty to Laurel, even after their divorce. He affirms that their shared history and love for their children create a bond that transcends marriage, showcasing the depth of his commitment.