“The other children knew that I’d be the one sent to the Humans, and they started calling me fangless traitor as soon as they could form full sentences.”

This quote touches on Identity, Self-Acceptance, and Belonging, with Misery remembering how she was mistreated by her own kind early in her childhood. By explaining the roots of her disconnect from her identity, Hazelwood explains Misery’s low self-esteem and why she constantly tries to deny who she is.

“‘Your father. I need to know if he hates you.’

I meet Moreland’s eyes, more baffled than offended. And perhaps a little peeved that I cannot insist that my one living parent gives a shit about me.

‘Why?’

‘If you’re going to be under my protection, I need to know these things.’

I cock my head up at him. His face is so…not handsome, even though it is, but striking. All-consuming. Like he invented bone structure. ‘Am I? Under your protection?’

‘You’re my wife.’”

Hazelwood’s introduction of Lowe makes it obvious from the beginning that he’s the perfect fit for Misery. He quickly grasps the emotional abuse she’s suffered and her feeling of insignificance. He implies his desire to protect her—“You’re my wife,” which signals that he is the person to build her up. This passage also explores The Complexities of Leadership and Alliance Building. Despite agreeing to the marriage, Lowe finds Henry’s behavior incomprehensible, rendering any true alliance difficult.

“I have no plan—just the only person I ever cared about, displaced from my life. And maybe it’s a little amateur sleuth of me.”

This quote illustrates Misery’s motive and the inciting incident of the plot, Serena’s disappearance. It also emphasizes Misery’s isolation, as Serena is the only person Misery currently cares about. Finally, it highlights Misery’s positive characteristics. She is brave and loyal, traits which make her a good match for Lowe, who has shown similar personality traits.