Things We Never Got Over

The name “Naomi” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “pleasant.” At the novel’s beginning, that defines Naomi perfectly: Naomi is nice. Giving to others is key to her character. Naomi, however, needs to make peace with herself. The CPS agent gives Naomi the advice that defines her character arc. Emotionally exhausted after Knox ends their relationship for no apparent reason and haunted by the return of her abusive ex-fiancé, Naomi collapses in tears and admits that her life refuses to follow any plan. The agent replies, “At some point, you have got to stop worrying so much about what everyone else needs and start thinking about what you need” (412).

Given her twin’s wild and irresponsible nature, Naomi grew up trying to be exactly what her parents wanted in a child. She is Tina’s foil, making up for the chaos and trouble she caused. Later, she played the happy fiancée because marriage into the Dennison family made perfect sense, a counterbalance to her sister’s flighty and impetuous romances. She abided by rules, and she expected the world to do the same.

Her decision to abandon her wedding was her declaration of independence of sorts and the beginning of her character arc.