The Dixon Rule

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical abuse.

The theme of overcoming shame after abuse is explored through Diana’s character arc. Diana is a young woman known by her friends and family for her strength and resilience. However, she confronts a profound internal struggle when her ex-boyfriend Percy’s violence forces her to reevaluate these qualities in herself. Through Diana’s experiences, Elle Kennedy examines the psychological toll of abuse, the societal stigma surrounding it, and the empowering process of reframing such experiences as revealing one’s inner strength rather than weakness.

At the heart of Diana’s shame is her perception of herself as someone who is invincible and unshakable. Early in the novel, she identifies herself as the person people turn to for solutions and protection: “If there’s a situation that needs fixing, you go to Diana Dixon” (176). This self-concept is reinforced by her father’s unwavering faith in her resilience, as he often reminds her, “You’ve never shied away from a challenge your entire life. Never met an obstacle you haven’t been able to overcome” (90). Percy’s assault shatters this image, introducing a sense of vulnerability that Diana struggles to reconcile with her established identity. Her initial response to the attack is flight rather than confrontation, an act she perceives as cowardice: “The moment Percy’s knuckles connected with my face, fight-or-flight kicked in, and the latter won in a landslide” (189).