Dr. Alan Forrester

Dr. Alan Forrester is the narrator of the book. It seems as though he is narrating the story of patients as they work through their problems, but he is actually the book's protagonist facing is own man versus self conflict. Forrester manipulates the emotions of others to benefit him. Initially, he does this for himself, to have a connection with a rape victim who, like him, has a scar carved into her flesh. When the investigation to find Jenny's rapist turns to the search for a boy's sweatshirt like his son owns, Forrester's interest in the case becomes an effort to protect his son.

Forrester is an intelligent man and does not mind saying so himself, at least to the narrator. His dialog with other characters is humble and leading. He knows how to use the power of suggestion to plant ideas in the minds of...