Content Warning: This section of the guide mentions suicide and terrorist acts.

Louisa Guy emerges as the central figure in Dead Lions. She is active in both Slough House and the Needle, and her emotional pain drives the plot forward following the murder of Min Harper. Louisa begins the novel in confinement. She is stuck in a small apartment, with very little money, in a dead-end career. Her relationship with Min Harper gives her hope. Even if his physical presence intrudes on her already small living space, it is a welcome intrusion because she feels comforted by his presence. When she wants to indulge in a bit of hope, Min allows her to do so. This is further exacerbated by the assignment given to them by James Webb. Together with Min, she hopes to change the direction of her life for the better. Then, Min is murdered.

In the hours before Min’s murder, Louisa has a small quarrel with him. Louisa never gets the chance to reconcile this falling out. She is stressed by her determination to do a good job and fearful of her own optimism. Nevertheless, her jealousy pushes Min to act rashly, and he ends up dead.