
Bunny
Ralph's jealous former partner or flatmate, whose deception forces the central relationships into crisis.
The book

Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeBunny presents social charm sharpened by resentment. He fears losing his place with Ralph and directs that jealousy toward Laurie and Andrew.
His deception destroys the possibility that the relationships can remain safely ambiguous.
How the book draws them
- DressFashionable civilian clothes support his carefully composed appearance.
- ExpressionHis smile can shift from charming to mocking.
- Social skillHe knows how to exploit coded assumptions.
- FunctionJealousy makes him the catalyst of the final crisis.
He cruelly exposes Laurie to Andrew while implicating Ralph. His deception is uncovered and cannot prevent Laurie and Ralph's reconciliation.
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