“When divorce court judges are presented with the most brutal, complicated custody cases, ones in which no resolution seems possible, they appoint someone like me, a best interest attorney, or guardian ad litem, we represent the children.”

This passage introduces Stella. Her work as a best interest attorney is a key aspect of her characterization, and she takes her duties seriously. It is critical that she treats her clients with particular care and concern, and doing her job well is a large part of her identity. Her use of the word “we” in this passage reflects her pride at being a member of an elite group of professionals who dedicate themselves to advocating for children’s rights.

“Crimes of passion defy logic.”

With this simple statement, Stella reveals her deep understanding of human behavior. Here, she discusses the Barclay case with Marco and adds nuance to their conversation with her willingness to examine the nanny’s death from multiple angles. This keen insight ultimately helps her uncover several buried secrets.

“On our wedding day I was so in love I thought we could overcome anything. But there was one thing neither of us could compromise on. A dividing line that only grew deeper and wider with time. Marco wanted kids. I didn’t. More than that, I couldn’t. Not physically, but emotionally.”

The Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma is key to Stella’s characterization, as her unresolved trauma is the driving force behind many of her decisions. Here, she obliquely explains that her mother’s addiction and death continue to impact her as an adult. Her marriage has failed largely because she remains too traumatized by her mother’s actions to become a mother herself. Although she is highly intelligent and hardworking, Stella is heavily influenced by her past trauma and moves through life as a deeply wounded individual.