The Elite follows the events at the end of the first installment The Selection, therefore finds the competition narrowed down to six girls. America among the six girls known as the Elite competes for the position of Prince Maxon’s future wife. In the previous book, she was uncertain about the competition and her feelings for the Prince. However, by the conclusion, she finds a place in her heart for Maxon and she is willing and comfortable to continue with the race. Even though she attempts to cut ties with her previous lover Aspen their narrative persists in this installment. She still harbors feelings for Aspen which creates tensions between the three as a love triangle develops. Initially, she was firm about not belonging in the competition but that changes over time as explored in this tale.
Despite the watershed moment regarding her sense of belonging in the competition and the palace, America now faces new insecurities. As she is invested in the game following her developing feelings for the Prince, she becomes insecure and indecisive about their romance. The other girls pose a much stiffer competition than before as they establish an individual relationship with Prince Maxon. Thus, she begins doubting her abilities as the future princess because Maxon’s attention seems divided. Consequently, the love triangle develops whilst seeking affection from Aspen when jealous of the girls or Maxon disappoints her. Maxon affirms that his feelings for her is set in stone which further triggers America’s anxieties. Moreover, the rebellion taking place poses new challenges for her at the palace and her future thereof.
Accordingly, the narrative explores the politics of this monarchy that sees dangerous rebels adamant to abolish it. The strict caste system is at the center of these tensions as new truths come to light. In her quest to prove herself in the competition she reveals the king’s preliminary founding of the system. This move brings forth conflict within the palace that offers a new perspective about the political dynamic in Illéa. The narrative explores the strictness and brutality of this caste system that linger behind the romance. Thus, the narrative creates the potential for multi-layered plot lines in the subsequent installments that further explore the unresolved aspects.
