Go's role: Characterization (part one, Pg 1-215)

[Michelle]

What is Go's role in the book? Why do you think the author wrote her as Nick's twin? Is she a likeable character?

[Julia]

Go helps guide Nick during Amy's disapperence and she also keeps a realistic view. For example when she finds out about Andie she knows right away that Nick needs to end the affair. She also writes a speech for him at the vigile that makes sure he seems like a good person and a concerned husband. This also ties into why Go is Nick's twin. Similar to what detective Boney points out he has the "youngest child complex" and needs help and guidance often. Go is the one responsoble for Nick after their mom died. Her being his twin also makes their bond as sibilings stronger and Go is on Nick's side no matter what. I think she is a likeable character because she is not arrogant or untrusting like Amy and Nick. Unlike Nick and Amy there isn't any part about her that is hidden from the reader like how we learn of Amy's true personality or Nick's affair.

[Michelle]

I agree with you Julia. Go is the only character in the book that is likeable. With Go, what you see is what you get, and she is the only character that doesn’t have any secrets, plotting, or “angles”. She was made as Nick’s twin, because she is the only person that understands him fully and knows the most about him. "Go is truly the one person in the entire world I am totally myself with," Nick explains. "I don't feel the need to explain my actions to her. I don't clarify, I don't doubt, I don't worry. I don't tell her everything, not anymore, but I tell her more than anyone else by far". (Trying not to spoil anything but) Also it was important for Nick to have someone in this novel that he could combat Amy’s craziness, and it helped that he had a close twin to do so. Also Go is very easy to be around, and she remains faithful to Nick’s side even when it looks very suspicious.

[Kaitlin]

I agree with Julia. Go is definitely the realist out of egotistical Nick and Amy. She is the most likable out of all the characters probably because she points out the blatant character flaws of the others. Pointing out Nicks strange behavior during the investigation and commenting on Amy's constant longing for attention displays that she is one of the few characters in the book who possesses any reasoning skills. She is pragmatic and sensible unlike Nick and Amy. Writing Go as Nick's twin personally connects her to one of the key characters gives her both the strongest knowledge of Nick and a bond that will not go untested as the investigation unfolds. Overall, Go's reactions parallel that of the reader therefore making her more relatable and amiable.

[Tycho]

I agree I think Go was for sure one of the most level headed characters. I think it was important she was Nicks twin because that made their connection and respect for each other that much stronger. She was definitely very influential on Nick during the investigation because of this. By keeping him away from Andie, keeping him from smiling/saying too much, and reminding him to basically act like anyone else would with a missing wife, she kept Nick from looking too shady. She was still uninvolved enough in nick and Amy's relationship though to point out the flaws in each of them. She seems to be the most realistic character as well making her one of the most likable and relatable because I often found myself reacting the same way Go was reacting...especially because Nick and Amy are both so crazy in their own ways...

[Danielle]

I agree with everyone that Go is the most realistic and likeable character in the novel. Between the chaos surrounding Nick's situation and Amy's dramatic measures, Go is the most relatable in the novel and she provides relief when reading. Her down-to-earth nature stands in great contrast to Amy's psychotic idiosyncrasies and Nick's irritating carelessness, thus making her the more favorable character. The author probably included Go in the novel because she is the one who points out the follies in Nick and Amy's characters, which further bolsters our intrigue into the pair's unique psychological mindsets. Her grounded nature is also what supports and pieces the novel together, because she establishes some realism and practicality in this twisted plot. Go maneuvers Nick through his dilemmas as well, since she assists him in standing a chance against the meddling press and police.

[Colleen]

Go is there to ground Nick and be his outlet to talk about anything. Although she is his sister I see her as one of his close guy friends. Nick doesn't seem to have many friends. He is the most comfortable with her and tells her almost all of his deepest secrets. I think her and Nick were written as twins because although they are the same age Go is much more responsible and relaxed. the total opposite of Nick. I agree with Michelle that she is the only likable character in the book because she is loyal to Nick and level headed.