Sandie Jones uses the characters Adam, Pammie, and Emily to illustrate various manipulative tactics used to exert power and control in close relationships. In comparing the motivations for these characters’ manipulative efforts, Jones shows how Adam is self-serving and egotistical, while Pammie and Emily express deep concern for others.

Adam emotionally and verbally abuses Emily in an attempt to manipulate and control her. He dismisses Emily’s perspective while calling Emily’s maturity and emotional stability into question, and this gaslighting causes Emily to second-guess her sense of reality. “‘I think you’re just being paranoid.’ [...] He let out a short laugh. ‘A little melodramatic, wouldn’t you say?’” (158). Emily loses sight of her priorities when Adam minimizes her concerns while belittling her. Instead of focusing on the bigger picture and her happiness, Emily becomes determined to prove to Adam that her problems are valid and that his mother is toxic to their relationship. However, Adam couldn’t care less about Emily’s feelings. Driven by selfishness, he will do and say anything to achieve his goals. Adam withholds physical affection from Emily on multiple occasions to manipulate her. Disliking Emily’s relationship with Seb, Adam “pull[s] away, both literally and mentally.