The Good Lie

Dr. Gwen Moore is the protagonist of The Good Lie and the only character whose chapters are presented in first-person point of view. She is a psychiatrist who specializes in clients who have violent tendencies or a history of violent behavior. She displays a keen interest in criminal psychology, as shown by her fascination with serial killers and with the Bloody Heart Killer in particular. Thus, her point of view explores The Psychology of Violence and Criminality. Her extensive background as a therapist often influences her personal opinions, and her self-talk frequently rationalizes her thoughts and actions through a psychological lens. An example of this occurs early in the book, when she says, “Obsession, as I frequently told my clients, never affected outside situations. They only made your internal struggles—and resulting personal actions and decisions—worse” (6). She also makes observations of other characters through the lens of her training, “psychoanalyzing” them and making quick judgments about their personalities.

Gwen displays an outwardly confident exterior that Torre emphasizes through details such as Gwen’s simple and orderly home and office décor. Nita describes Gwen as someone who “looks like she has all the answers” (180), and Gwen herself strives to create this impression.