The Next Mrs. Parrish

Amber Patterson Parrish, whose real name is Lana Crump, is the quintessential example of a complex and morally ambiguous antagonist. Amber's manipulative tendencies are evident from the novel’s outset, for she carries a misguided sense that she has been wronged by the world, and she believes that she deserves more than what life has given her. This sense of entitlement fuels her manipulations as she schemes to infiltrate the lives of the wealthy and privileged.

In each of her schemes over the years, Amber’s manipulations are meticulous and calculated. She carefully studies her targets, exploiting their likes, dislikes, and vulnerabilities to craft an appealing persona for herself. Her primary tactic is to present herself as a kindred spirit who shares her target’s interests and values. Amber's ability to create and maintain this façade is a testament to her cunning and strategic thinking; she knows how to play the long game and is committed to gradually ingratiating herself into other people’s lives, earning their trust, and positioning herself as an ideal friend or romantic partner.

Her manipulation extends beyond mere social engineering, for she is also adept at exploiting others’ emotions and weaknesses and leverages sympathy to her advantage by playing the role of a victim. Ultimately, however, Amber’s obsession with wealth is the driving force behind all her actions. To her, wealth is synonymous with power, security, and social standing: the assets that she so desperately craves. Amber’s envy of those who have what she lacks is palpable throughout the novel. She constantly measures herself against others, feeling anger and resentment toward Daphne and Daisy Ann in particular, and her desire to surpass them becomes an all-consuming fixation.

However, Amber’s focus on gaining wealth and power also hides the realities of the world that she so desperately wants to enter. She idealizes the lives of the rich and powerful, seeing only their glamor and privilege while ignoring the sacrifices and moral compromises that often accompany such a life. This narrow focus ultimately leads to her downfall as she underestimates the complexity of the people she is attempting to manipulate. While many of her actions are underhanded and cruel, Amber is also driven by a deep sense of insecurity and desperation. Her manipulations are therefore not born of pure malice; instead, she believes that the world owes her something better, and she sees herself as a survivor: someone who must claw her way to the top because no one else will help her.

This misguided sense of victimhood acts as both a strength and a weakness for Amber, for although it fuels her determination and helps her to navigate the complex social landscape of high society, it also causes her to dehumanize those she attempts to manipulate. Amber’s inability to see beyond her desires ultimately leads her to make self-destructive choices as she becomes increasingly entangled in her own web of lies and deceit. Amber is a deeply flawed individual whose actions are as much a reflection of her inner turmoil as they are of her desire for power. In the end, her manipulations lead to her downfall and condemn her to a life that is far more dangerous and complicated than she ever anticipated.

Daisy Ann is a multifaceted protagonist who shows an unwavering commitment to seeking justice. Her determination to bring Amber to justice for the murder of her father fuels her relentless pursuit of the truth and highlights her strong moral compass. Her quest for justice is rooted in her need to ensure that her father’s legacy and her family’s integrity are honored. Her husband Mason’s support and understanding provide her with a sense of stability. Their partnership reflects Daisy Ann’s need for emotional grounding and her reliance on trusted relationships to navigate personal challenges. Mason’s presence in her life helps her to process her feelings and move forward with a renewed sense of hope.

While Daisy Ann’s quest for justice and investigations of Amber and Jackson ultimately drive many of the novel’s plot twists, the authors also make it a point to emphasize Daisy Ann’s emotional depth through her private moments of reflection. For example, her visit to her father’s grave at the end of the novel reveals the true depths of her grief and guilt over her failure to prevent his death. As she speaks to her father’s memory, the emotional release that she experiences demonstrates her realization that she cannot control the actions of others. This moment of clarity signifies a turning point in her character, marking her transition to a new understanding that she must focus on what she can control.

Daisy Ann’s personal growth is also highlighted by her decision to step back from Amber’s trial and focus on her own well-being, finally heeding the entreaties of her family to let the past go and move forward. This choice represents a significant shift from her earlier fixation on controlling the outcome and ensuring that Amber is held accountable for her crimes. By deciding not to attend Amber’s trial, Daisy Ann demonstrates her evolving understanding of her own limits and the importance of moving on from past traumas.