Nella
Nella tries to find solace in the presence of another Black woman, Hazel, while at work. She feels that because Hazel shares similar viewpoints and skin color with her. she will have a friend in a field dominated by white people. Nevertheless, their relationship is ironically anything but straightforward and supportive.
The publishing industry
The publishing company Nella works for claims to value diversity, but they actively work to harm Black authors like Nella. This shows their hypocrisy and reveals the publishing industry to be the primary antagonist of the novel.
Hazel
As soon as Hazel starts working at Wagner, she quickly becomes popular, especially among her white colleagues. Nella has worked for much of her life to try and fit in and be accepted by people like her; ironically, though, it is people who share very little in common with her that give her a voice and make her feel more welcomed.
Kendra Rae’s disappearance
Kendra Rae, a former Black employee, had tried to change the culture at Wagner to become more inclusive and welcoming. However, she has ironically faced backlash as a result of her efforts. After all, Wagner prides itself on being progressive, but it repeatedly stifles and pushes out genuine agents of change (many of whom are people of color).
