Eighteen-year-old Chris Harte is the novel’s central character, around which the conflict centers. Until Emily’s death, Chris is a typical American teenager of the late 20th century. He is presented as a talented student and athlete with a promising future. Though Chris feels his father places unrealistic expectations on him, the Hartes love and support him. That he finds himself indicted for murder and subsequently imprisoned in a maximum-security unit is unthinkable to both him and his parents. He has always been an obedient son and model citizen, with no violent tendencies.

Indeed, many of Chris’s early interactions with other inmates display just how young and naive he is to the darker side of humanity. That he quickly learns to navigate the prison hierarchy is proof that he is intelligent and mature and intends no harm to others. He is frustrated by the circumstances he finds himself in, giving no indication of whether he believes he will be acquitted or not. He is noticeably more pessimistic as the trial nears its end.

Throughout the novel, Chris staunchly insists he did not murder Emily and that she died by suicide, despite what forensic evidence suggests. Readers are positioned to determine whether or not they believe Chris is sincere and telling the truth.