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Obsidian is the deuteragonist of “Speech Sounds,” the “second actor” whose function is not only to drive the plot but also to reveal traits of the protagonist. As Rye responds to Obsidian, readers learn more about her, the world of the story, and about Obsidian himself. Rye notes immediately that Obsidian is left-handed, suggesting that his reasoning and emotional regulation are less impaired than that of most right-handed survivors. This detail prepares readers to understand that Obsidian is not like the impetuous, violent men on the bus. It also reveals Rye’s intelligent, observant approach to the ruined world in which they live. Moreover, Obsidian quickly discerns that Rye is relatively unimpaired and gestures to make her an ally in dealing with the fracas on the bus. Even before she trusts him somewhat, they act as partners.
Obsidian’s sense of duty is strong, as is his desire for companionship. He perceives quickly that Rye is more like him than most of the city’s impaired residents, and he wastes no time inviting her to join him. He demonstrates his intuitive and considerate nature by doing what he can to reassure Rye that he means no harm, disarming himself, letting her direct where they go, sharing his “name symbol,” and understanding when she declines sex for fear of pregnancy. He gently and patiently wins her trust and renews her will to live. Then he dies in the line of duty, another victim of the mysterious illness that drives the enraged man to kill the fleeing woman and Obsidian, too. Despite his death, Obsidian’s existence is a sign of hope in the story, akin to the children’s ability to speak. It suggests that there is a way forward for humanity, which Rye had despaired of. If Obsidian and Rye exist, others like them surely do.
