Beginning with the loss of Mark’s job, money becomes a defining factor in Mark’s and Erin’s decisions. They shorten their honeymoon and cut back on some of the extravagance for their wedding. Though they take these measures, Mark’s lack of a job weighs on him, something that never gets resolved and supports the novel’s major conflict. Ironically, money destroys Mark, who’s worked in banking for years. He doesn’t know who he is without reliable income. The thought of having millions to himself and never having to worry about money again changes him into someone cold and willing to do whatever is necessary to accomplish his goals. Money also motivates Erin to make reckless decisions, many of which for the benefit of her family. Rather than changing Erin, money brings out her personality. As a self-employed filmmaker and artist, Erin is a go-getter by nature. She applies the same skills to increasing her wealth as she does to her documentaries.

Money kicks off the main conflict of the book. Finding the bag and discovering its contents sets Mark down his path of destruction. Without the bag, he might have dealt with the loss of his job and found something else. The bag shows him an easy alternative, which he takes without hesitation.