The Breakdown’s protagonist, Cass Anderson, is a 34-year-old teacher who’s been married to her husband Matthew for about a year. Her first-person narration gives readers access to a rich interiority that shows Cass’s depth and complexity as a character. The backstory of her mother’s dementia and Cass’s current emotional relationship to that diagnosis is a strong example, one that shapes Cass’s conflicts and underlying motivations. Her desperation to not end up like her mother makes her vulnerable to Matthew’s manipulation, which thematically reveals How Gaslighting Weaponizes the Fragility of Memory and Perception.

Other than a reference to chestnut hair and blue eyes, Cass’s appearance receives little attention. Instead, the novel reveals her character through her thoughts, emotions, and actions, especially in the context of her relationships. She strives to avoid hurting others’ feelings, as apparent in Chapter 1 when she feels guilty for mentioning her husband in front of John, the coworker who has a crush on her. In addition, she strives to avoid burdening others. While driving home from the party, terrified by poor driving conditions, she considers calling Matthew, knowing his voice will comfort her.