Mallory
Mallory Greenleaf is a compelling and multidimensional character who navigates the intricate challenges of family, personal identity, and a return to the competitive world of chess. At 18 years old, Mallory emerges from a long hiatus from the game due to a past incident that led to the unraveling of her family.
Despite her young age, Mallory shoulders the weight of adult responsibilities, working a dead-end job to support her two younger sisters and her ailing mother. The complexities of Mallory's character unfold as she reluctantly agrees to participate in a charity chess tournament, unwittingly defeating the world champion, Nolan Sawyer.
Struggling with feelings of shame and guilt connected to her past involvement with chess, Mallory becomes a relatable coming-of-age figure, torn between the demands of her family and the unexpected resurgence of her passion for the game.
Nolan
Nolan Sawyer, the enigmatic chess world champion and the so-called "Kingkiller" emerges as a complex character. At 20 years old, Nolan is not just the reigning Bad Boy of chess but a millionaire whose quiet and moody exterior hides a surprising depth of emotion. Initially depicted as Mallory Greenleaf's rival after her unexpected victory over him, Nolan's character evolves beyond the typical chess prodigy stereotype.
Despite his initial mystique, Nolan is revealed to be a cinnamon roll at heart, harboring a genuine and fervent admiration for Mallory. His obsession with her goes beyond the chessboard as he actively seeks not just a rematch but also a connection with her even spending time with Mallory's family and treating them as his own. Nolan's nuanced personality with a blend of intensity, vulnerability, and a penchant for sweet gestures positions him as a compelling and lovable character.
Easton
Easton is Mallory Greenleaf's close friend who went off to college. As Mallory's confidante, Easton embodies the transitional phase between high school and adulthood, facing the challenges of leaving for college while navigating evolving friendships.
Despite the physical distance, Easton's character resonates with a genuine concern for Mallory, and their friendship is portrayed with nuances of FOMO and the fear of being phased out. Easton's portrayal reflects the bittersweet nature of growing up, highlighting the insecurities and shifts in relationships during this period.
Koch
Koch embodies the dark underbelly of the chess world, introducing a misogynistic and insufferable presence that adds tension to the narrative. From the outset, Koch is depicted as a character with questionable motives as evidenced by his inappropriate comments about Mallory's appearance, insinuating a troubling mindset.
Serving as a foil to the more supportive and likable characters, Koch's behavior underscores the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields, particularly in the competitive realm of chess. By making Koch character readers love to hate, Hazelwood effectively addresses the realities of navigating such environments while highlighting the strength and resilience required to overcome such adversities.
Darcy
Darcy is Mallory Greenleaf's younger sister. She emerges as a delightful and adorably hilarious character who injects both warmth and humor into the narrative. Her presence serves as a reminder of the precious and sometimes comical moments that can arise within the challenges of family dynamics.
Whether through witty remarks or endearing actions, Darcy becomes an essential component in the portrayal of Mallory's familial responsibilities, offering both emotional support and moments of joy that provide a counterbalance to the more serious themes explored in the novel.
Mallory's mother
Mallory's mother is a character defined by resilience and fragility, embodying the challenges of a woman facing health issues while relying on her daughter to provide support. Mallory's mother likely carries the weight of illness with grace and her presence in the narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices Mallory makes for her family. Her character also symbolizes the strength and vulnerability often intertwined in the parent-child relationship.
