The Nature of Fragile Things

While Sophie is clearly the heroine of the novel and Martin the antagonist, they share many qualities: They are both full of secrets, they have been involved in murder, and they are on the run from an old identity. The book’s structure begins and is punctuated by Logan’s investigation into Martin’s disappearance. From the outset, the marshal draws attention to the fact that both Sophie and Martin have been acting suspiciously—Martin by disappearing and Sophie by waiting six weeks to report his disappearance. Sophie initially tries to dismiss this fact, stating that the nature of Martin’s job made it difficult to trace his comings and goings. But her impatience with the detective’s inquiries alert readers to the fact that she has something to hide. Although as a federal investigator Logan is seeking to uncover the truth about Martin’s more severe crimes, he interrogates Sophie as though she is his accomplice.

As the narrative progresses, readers recognize that Sophie and Martin have much in common, as they try to cover up their shameful past and use similar techniques to do so. Both consult newspapers, the technology of the day, to seek advancement. For example, Sophie sees Martin’s advertisement in the New York Times as her ticket for escaping poverty and the sudden appearance of the girl from the neighboring village, who threatens to reveal her true identity.