Stillhouse Lake

Nearly every major character in Stillhouse Lake has a pseudonym or a nickname; this illustrates the complexity of the characters’ identities and how people are not always what they seem to be on the surface. Used effectively, pseudonyms can work as “masks” that conceal someone’s true identity and instead present a different, false identity. Gwen and her children use pseudonyms to avoid detection each time they move to a new area. Their enemies also use pseudonyms, most notably Absalom, whose actual identity is unknown to Gwen. Both protagonists and antagonists use pseudonyms in this novel, creating a complex web of deception and games for each other to navigate. The use of names also raises questions about identity and privacy in the internet age, when anyone’s name can be searched but most commentators are anonymous. The creation of new names for Gwen and her children, which they choose, is suggestive of their emotional drive to reinvent themselves and be freed from how others see them.

Supporting characters are all shown as using or being known by shortened names: Lancel/Lance, Melvin/Mel, Javier/Javi, Kezia/Kez. While these multiple identities aren’t as pronounced as for the major characters, their ubiquity illustrates how most characters have more than one side to them and can’t always be trusted. Certain people might even appear to be an enemy in one situation (like Javi), and then turn out to be a friend. Likewise, someone might seem to be an ally and turn out to be dangerous.

Cars and other vehicles generally symbolize movement, change, and growth. In Gina’s case, she’s driving her old car during the Prologue when she discovers that her old life is “over.” After that day, old Gina Royal “dies,” because she believes her whole past life was a lie and views everything as different going forward. She later “morphs” or changes into Gwen Proctor, a different name but also a new identity she’s created. Gwen is the fourth identity since Gina, and each new identity and name comes with a different house and car. Gwen’s shifting identity is symbolized by the changes in her houses and cars.

The specific car that Gwen has throughout most of this novel, the Jeep, symbolizes Gwen’s current “self,” not her old self of Gina or any of the other selves she’s been in between. Like Gwen and others observe, the Jeep is well-suited to the place where Gwen lives. It’s reliable, sturdy, and capable. This symbolizes how Gwen has morphed into a version of herself that is capable of protecting her children, and also that she has found a place that could be a good home for her family if they can keep danger at bay. Gwen’s failed attempts to trade the Jeep symbolize how continuing to run away would not be the safest or best idea. Through multiple identity changes, Gwen has now become the sort of person who fights instead of running away. This is also symbolized when Gwen tries to drive away from the intoxicated men but the Jeep gets stuck; she stands her ground rather than running, but still keeps herself and her children safe.