Cane · Character

Helen

A woman mentioned in passing, possibly a love interest.

minor

Also known as Helen⁠

First appearance: Bona and Paul

Helen's tie to Paul Johnson is one of the pressures that moves Cane—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Bona's friend, who accompanies them to the Crimson Gardens and embodies the superficiality of their social circle.

In the storyBona and PaulOpen this moment free

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With Paul Johnson (social): Helen is a white acquaintance of Paul Johnson, part of the social circle that highlights racial boundaries. With Paul Johnson (social): Helen is a white acquaintance of Paul Johnson, part of the social circle that highlights racial boundaries. With Paul Johnson (social): Helen is a white acquaintance of Paul Johnson, part of the social circle that highlights racial boundaries.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Helen sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Helen in Bona and Paul

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Helen sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Interracial romance and tragedy
Dan's world of conflict

+1 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the reaper, isolated by sensory deprivation (blindness, deafn…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Paul Johnson
social · ambivalent
Helen is a white acquaintance of Paul Johnson, part of the social circle that highlights… How this plays out →
Paul Johnson
social · ambivalent
Helen is a white acquaintance of Paul Johnson, part of the social circle that highlights… How this plays out →
Paul Johnson
social · ambivalent
Helen is a white acquaintance of Paul Johnson, part of the social circle that highlights… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Helen in Bona and Paul

In the story

Helen appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Bona and Paul
Bona's friend, who accompanies them to the Crimson Gardens and embodies the superficiality of their social circle.
I
Helen is the girl captain of the basketball team. She initially resists Bona's demand to play but eventually accepts a substitute.
II
Helen is mentioned as the one who arranged the double date with Art, connecting Bona and Paul.
III
Helen is present as Art's companion, with puffy yellow hair, and engages in a quarrel with Art.
IV
Art's date; tries to placate Paul; feels snide about him afterward.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Helen unlock in the free preview.

See Helen in Bona and Paul