Alex is the protagonist of the novel. Though the novel isn’t told through her first-person point of view, the third-person limited point of view focuses on her feelings, sensations, thoughts, and actions. By using the third-person limited instead of the first person, Cline creates a web of mystery around Alex. Though it’s not directly said, it’s implied that Alex is a sex worker. At 22 years old, she has spent years in New York City, first trying to make it as a model and then surviving by dating wealthy men. Alex has recently lost control of her life. The men who had become her regulars have cut her out of their lives, she owes back rent and her roommates want to kick her out, and she has stolen money and drugs from a dangerous man named Dom. Alex is staying in a luxurious, wealthy suburb for the summer, staying with a man named Simon. Their relationship is built on sex, but Simon doesn’t know that Alex is a sex worker. Alex wants to make things work with Simon so she can have stability and avoid the overwhelming financial problem waiting for her in the city.