Humans seek to define themselves in a variety of ways. Some seek self-worth through religious affiliation and some through a hobby or creative pursuit. Through time and testing, individuals realize that self-worth cannot be found solely in external forces. In Bluebird, Bluebird, protagonist Darren Mathews is portrayed as a person in search of his identity, learning that he cannot truly find meaning in life through external edification and the truest sense of his being can only be found in learning to love himself.

Darren matured seeing himself only through the eyes of his twin uncles who raised him. They instilled in him the value of being a southern gentleman and an educated student of law and justice. However, without the maternal love of a mother to guide him in other ways, Darren comes of age knowing he was treasured, but missing an essential part of his identity. He seeks fulfillment in only the masculine side of his personality and marries that with his career path. As a boot-wearing Texas Ranger, Darren leans into his masculinity and neglects to learn how to express his emotions. This unbalanced sense of self comes to light in his relationship struggles and his addiction.