Content Warning: The source material features discussions of psychosomatic disorders and trauma.

“I am a different person. I am the same person.”

Chapter 1 frames Ben’s current life before flashing backward to the events at Abbey Sleep Clinic. Ben’s admission shows a strong, aware character voice separating himself from his past. The idea of being similar yet different also creates curiosity and suspense for readers to delve into his backstory throughout the two-year-long narrative.

“Sleep, like food or water, is one thing no human being can do without.”

Ben’s language shows a scientific, factual tone that fits his career as a psychologist and characterization as an analytical, logical man who likes to understand things. The theme of The Significance of Sleep and Dreams is integral to this statement and the novel’s premise. Through the knowledgeable character of Ben, it is clear how fundamental sleep is for the human mind.

“Almost all Anna O documentaries start the same way.

I’m sorry. I think I’ve killed them.

Most think she must have been conscious to send that. Which means she must have been conscious when committing the crime. Guilty. But they haven’t studied sleep like I have. People have done far more complex things than sending WhatsApp messages while still technically asleep.”

Anna’s backstory gives readers a glimpse into her characterization and predicament. The juxtaposition of the conscious and unconscious is clear in Ben’s dissection of what Anna’s actions mean. Ben’s implied questioning of guilt also displays the theme of Defining and Pursuing Justice and prompts the central question about Anna’s verdict.