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While Tobias Hawthorne’s complex web of clues is certainly a major focal point of the novel, Avery’s character development is another equally important component that adds a level of humanity and authenticity to the game. Beyond her desire to find answers about her inheritance, Avery wants to feel like she matters and has intrinsic value. This instinct lies at the heart of virtually every decision she makes as she navigates the foreign world of the Hawthornes. Avery has a natural sense of confidence prior to becoming the Hawthorne heiress, but the drastic way in which her life changes overnight causes her to fall into a state of uncertainty and self-doubt. The boldness with which she confronts Principal Altman about his cheating accusations and refuses to be around Drake dissipates as soon as Tobias Hawthorne’s will is read. While Avery is in awe of her fortune, having the world at her feet does not make up for the fact that her sense of self has shattered. Nash’s early suggestion that she may just be a small piece in his grandfather’s grand puzzle haunts her, making her feel helpless.

As Avery gets deeper into the game, however, she begins to trust herself again and sets her sights on winning. This shift becomes especially apparent after the falling out she has with Jameson and Grayson in the wake of the shooting. She pursues clues on her own despite knowing that they are also looking, and she feels a sense of accomplishment upon finding the Winchester rifle and the Davenport desk. Although Avery does eventually reconnect with the boys, she presents herself as their equal rather than an outsider. This dynamic brings her closer to her old sense of self, but seeing all four brothers reconnect at what appears to be the end of the puzzle still leaves Avery questioning her role in Tobias Hawthorne’s game. It is not until she finds a folder full of her childhood photos hidden in one of his desks that she finally finds the sense of purpose and belonging that she has been searching for.

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