"The Kept Woman" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Kept Woman" by Karin Slaughter, the protagonist is Will Trent, a dedicated agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He is supported by Sara Linton, his girlfriend and a medical examiner, and Faith Mitchell, his partner in the agency. The story revolves around a murder investigation and the complex relationships between the characters.

Character Descriptions

Will Trent

Will Trent is a complex and determined character. He is described as a tall and slim man in his mid-thirties, with messy brown hair and intense blue eyes. Will is driven by his passion for justice and has a reputation for being relentless in his pursuit of the truth. However, he also struggles with dyslexia, which affects his self-confidence and makes him doubt his abilities.

Sara Linton

Sara Linton is a strong and independent woman. As a medical examiner, she is known for her attention to detail and her ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations. Sara is described as having long, dark hair and warm brown eyes. She is deeply committed to her work and is fiercely loyal to Will, providing him with emotional support throughout the story.

Angie Polaski

Angie Polaski is a complex character with a troubled past. She is Will's ex-wife and a former police officer who was involved in a scandalous case. Angie is described as a beautiful woman with long red hair and piercing green eyes. She is suspected of murder and becomes a central figure in the investigation. Angie's character is shrouded in mystery, and her true intentions are often unclear.

Faith Mitchell

Faith Mitchell is Will's partner and a fellow agent at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She is described as a tough and resourceful woman with short blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Faith is known for her sharp instincts and quick thinking, making her an invaluable asset to the team. She shares a close bond with Will and provides him with unwavering support throughout their investigations.

Amanda Wagner

Amanda Wagner is Will's boss and the Special Agent in Charge of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She is a seasoned agent who is highly respected in the field. Amanda is described as a no-nonsense woman with short gray hair and a stern expression. She values efficiency and expects nothing but the best from her team. Despite her tough exterior, Amanda cares deeply for her agents and is willing to go to great lengths to protect them.

Character Traits

Will Trent is characterized by his determination, intelligence, and empathy. Despite his dyslexia, he is highly intelligent and possesses a keen analytical mind. Will's dedication to his work is evident in his relentless pursuit of justice, often putting himself in danger to solve cases. He is also a compassionate individual who empathizes with the victims and strives to bring closure to their families.

Sara Linton is known for her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering support for Will. As a medical examiner, she is meticulous and thorough in her work, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed. Sara's compassion is evident in her interactions with the victims' families, providing them with comfort and understanding during their time of grief. She is also fiercely protective of Will, offering him emotional support and guidance.

Angie Polaski's character is marked by her enigmatic nature and the cloud of suspicion surrounding her. While she is initially perceived as a potential suspect, Angie's true intentions remain ambiguous throughout the story, adding a layer of mystery and suspense.

Faith Mitchell is characterized by her resilience, resourcefulness, and loyalty. She is a strong and independent woman who has overcome personal challenges to become a respected agent. Faith's loyalty to Will is unwavering, and she is always there to support him in both his personal and professional life.

Amanda Wagner is characterized by her no-nonsense attitude, professionalism, and protective nature. She is a strict leader who demands excellence from her team but also deeply cares for their well-being. Amanda's determination to protect her agents is a prominent trait, and she is willing to bend the rules to ensure their safety.

Character Background

Will Trent's background is marked by a tumultuous childhood. He grew up in the foster care system, enduring abuse and neglect. These experiences have shaped his character and fueled his determination to bring justice to those who have suffered.

Sara Linton's background is rooted in medicine. She comes from a family of doctors and has dedicated her life to helping others through her work as a medical examiner. Sara's past is also marred by personal tragedy, which has influenced her empathetic nature.

Angie Polaski's background is shrouded in mystery. She has a troubled past as a police officer involved in a scandalous case, which has led to her estrangement from Will. Angie's character is complex, and her background plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the story.

Faith Mitchell's background is characterized by her determination to prove herself in a male-dominated field. She comes from a law enforcement family and has overcome personal obstacles to become a respected agent. Faith's background adds depth to her character and influences her strong personality.

Amanda Wagner's background is steeped in law enforcement. She has dedicated her life to serving and protecting the community, rising through the ranks to become a highly respected agent. Amanda's background underscores her commitment to her team and her unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.

Character Arcs

Will Trent's character arc in "The Kept Woman" is centered around his personal growth and self-acceptance. Through the course of the story, Will confronts his insecurities stemming from his dyslexia and learns to trust his instincts and abilities. He also grapples with his complicated feelings for Angie Polaski and Sara Linton, ultimately finding closure in his relationships.

Sara Linton experiences her own character arc as she navigates the challenges of being in a relationship with Will while balancing her demanding career. She learns to trust Will and becomes more confident in their relationship, supporting him unconditionally throughout the investigation.

Angie Polaski's character arc is one of redemption and self-discovery. As the truth about her past is revealed, Angie goes on a journey of self-reflection and growth. She must confront her demons and make choices that will determine her future.

Faith Mitchell's character arc revolves around her loyalty to Will and her growth as a partner and friend. She becomes more assertive and self-assured, trusting her instincts and supporting Will in his personal and professional struggles.

Amanda Wagner's character arc is centered around her protective nature and her willingness to bend the rules to ensure the safety of her team. She grapples with the consequences of her actions and must confront her own sense of morality.

Relationships

The relationship between Will Trent and Sara Linton is a central aspect of the story. Their love and loyalty to each other provide a foundation of support and understanding as they navigate the challenges of their personal and professional lives.

Will Trent's complicated relationship with Angie Polaski is a source of tension and mystery throughout the story. Their shared past and unresolved feelings add depth to their interactions and influence the choices they make.

The partnership between Will Trent and Faith Mitchell is characterized by mutual respect and unwavering support. They have a strong bond and complement each other's strengths, making them a formidable team in their pursuit of justice.

Amanda Wagner's relationship with Will Trent is that of a mentor and protector. She views Will as a capable agent and is determined to shield him from harm. Their relationship is marked by a sense of trust and loyalty.

Overall, the complex relationships between the characters in "The Kept Woman" contribute to the depth and intrigue of the story, highlighting the importance of trust, loyalty, and personal growth.