Count My Lies

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of anti-gay bias, suicidal ideation, self-harm, sexual content, cursing, illness, death, emotional abuse, violence, and bullying.

Sloane Caraway is the protagonist and the narrator for the first 18 chapters, so the story, before Violet takes over the narration, centers on her. Sloane’s central trait is lying. She’s insecure and has low self-esteem. If she doesn’t lie, she fears people will think she’s boring. Although she admits that her lies are wrong, she feels unable to stop, as lying brings Sloane comfort. She says, “I slip right back into my old ways like I would into my favorite shirt. It fits, just right” (40). Sloane feels alienated and inferior. Aside from her mother, she doesn’t have meaningful relationships. Lying becomes something Sloane relies on: It will be there for her.

Sloane is also defined by her insecurities surrounding her working-class socioeconomic status. She recounts how she lied about having a wealthy and famous father as a child, and even as an adult she longs to take on the identities of the wealthy women who employ her. Her desperation and lack of boundaries turn into inappropriate and almost stalkerish behavior with Allison, who takes out a restraining order against her.