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Cora Papadakis
Nick's ambitious young wife, whose longing for the restaurant and Frank drives both murder plans.
To own a successful restaurant, escape Nick's control, and make a lasting life with Frank.
The book

At a glance
- Nick's wife and Frank's lover
- Twin Oaks Tavern
- Respectability and ownership
- Desire tied to murder
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeCora married Nick for security and discovered that security could feel like ownership.
Her attraction to Frank is urgent, but she wants a home while he still imagines escape.
She proposes murder, fears betrayal, works hard, and tries to build an honest future from a dishonest beginning.
How the book draws them
- RoleNick's wife and Frank's lover
- HomeTwin Oaks Tavern
- GoalRespectability and ownership
- ConflictDesire tied to murder
- Narrative pressureNick's ambitious young wife, whose longing for the restaurant and Frank drives both murder plans.
- Driving desireTo own a successful restaurant, escape Nick's control, and make a lasting life with Frank.
Cora helps murder Nick, marries Frank, becomes pregnant, and dies in an accidental crash.
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