38 pages • 1 hour read
Bared To You
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BetaCharacter Analysis
Eva Tramell
An independent woman, 24-year-old Eva Trammell is the novel’s protagonist. Haunted by her traumatic childhood, she moves to New York City in search of new experiences. Her relationship with her mother remains tenuous in the aftermath of her working-class mother’s marriage to a wealthy man whose son sexually abused Eva from the ages of 10 to 14. Eva’s mother keeps Eva under constant surveillance, which adds a layer of tension to their relationship. Eva’s move to New York City marks a shift away from an existence that her past controls.
After meeting fellow sexual abuse survivor Gideon Cross, Eva must confront the demons of her past. She grapples with her insecurities, which convince her to believe in “the unraveling of circumstances too good to be true” (282). Fearing that her insecurities will dismantle the progress made in her relationship, Eva learns to recognize the patterns of behavior that threaten to sabotage her chance at happiness. She learns to trust Gideon as an emotional and sexual partner and overcomes her fears to find unshakeable trust and undeniable chemistry.
Gideon Cross
Successful and shrewd, Gideon Cross dominates his many business ventures with aplomb. Physically, he stands like a god with a “bone structure [that] would make a sculptor weep with joy” (5). Like his business ventures, Gideon powerfully pursues Eva after acknowledging the instinctual and instant sexual chemistry between them. When Eva challenges his controlled and calculated plan for sex, Gideon must adapt his ruthless approach. Through Eva’s vulnerability about her traumatic past and her dedicated love and support, Gideon slowly learns to trust again.
Gideon’s last name connotes a sense of aloofness. He stands with “crossed arms [that] betrayed an inherent unease” (82). Day describes him as “remote and removed, a man who was inherently alone” (82). It is only Eva who inspires Gideon to shed his harsh exterior and explore his more tender, vulnerable sides. After inviting Eva into his home and his heart, Gideon must face the nightmares that plague him or risk losing the most significant relationship of his life. He chooses unabashed commitment to Eva and works tirelessly to ensure their survival as a couple. As a result, he regains his humanity and the opportunity to start again.
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