The reluctant fundamentalist

Changez’s girlfriend during his time in the States, Erica herself is representative of his tumultuous relationship with America. She is beautiful, popular, and smart. Though she loves Changez, her inability to move on from her previous boyfriend Chris (who died a year before she and Changez met) puts a heavy strain on their relationship. After 9/11, she falls victim to depression and obsession, and it is unclear whether or not she later took her own life. Changez clearly still holds affection for her memory, and sometimes imagines that she might seek him out, though he knows this is likely impossible.