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Paula Kunde, known as Paula “Penny” Evans in the 1980s, serves as the secondary antagonist of the novel, loyally following Nick Harp’s orders while he is in prison. At the heart of the novel’s characterization of Paula is her contradictory attitude towards gender and feminism. Paula’s worldview was shaped by the student activist culture on college campuses such as her alma mater, Stanford University. She vigorously opposes the police, the patriarchy, and the for-profit medical system of the United States. Though she speaks passionately about these topics, Paula tends to articulate her position in cliches and slogans, speaking to the slightly shallow nature of her understanding. Later, in the present day, she teaches at the University of Texas, Austin, after completing her doctorate while imprisoned for her involvement in the terrorist activities of the Army of the Changing World, of which she was a zealous and active member. Andy characterizes her as an “old hippie,” and she teaches subjects such as patriarchy and sexual violence against women in the Gender Studies Department, reflecting her high level of education and strong interest in feminism.
Ultimately, however, the novel highlights Paula’s lack of commitment to her feminist ideals. In the 1980s, her obsessive attraction to Nick makes her deeply loyal to him, following his orders without question and committing acts of violence in his name. Further, she despises Jane, Nick’s girlfriend, out of romantic competition, failing to support Jane after Nick beats her, and even helping Nick to trap Jane in the safe house. In contrast to her feminist ideals, Paula offers no solidarity or support to another woman while she is being abused by a man, and even contributes to that victimization herself. In the present day, a much older Paula retains her blind loyalty to Nick, sending a hitman after Jane, now Laura, at his request. When Andy visits Paula’s house, she is surprised to see that it is bare of decorations or personal effects. Later, Paula admits that she has held off on decorating her home until Nick is free from prison so that he can choose what art she puts up. Through the character of Paula, then, the novel emphasizes that a person’s stated political beliefs and ideals are often in conflict with their own behavior and attitudes.
