Discuss THE GREAT PRETENDER!

1. Discuss the central characters—Reginald, Tracy, Franklin, Olivia, Valerie, Renee and Denise. Discuss the secondary characters—Justine, Roger, and Brent.  Did you have any favorites? Least favorites? What are your thoughts on each of them? What were their individual motivations? Discuss their judgments and behaviors throughout the story.  

2. Tracy and Reginald were married for two decades. Do they really love each other? Their family? Discuss how they both turned outside of the marriage to meet needs. What were those needs? Were they met?

Discuss their time in New York. Reggie revealed all of his secrets. Should Tracy have been completely honest about Franklin at that time? Could that have saved Frank's face? How might things have turned out differently if she had been as forthcoming as Reginald?  Discuss the relationship between Tracy and Franklin by the end of the story. How had it changed?

3. When did you know who the "mystery woman" was? Who had you suspected before her identity was revealed?

4. Justine Roman referred Tracy to Dr. Berenger so the family could get help. Discuss the result of the first and only session.  Should they have listened to Olivia and not gone after all? What were your feelings when it was all over?

5. In your opinion, what was the relationship between Reginald & Renee about from beginning to end? Do you think Reginald actually loved Renee?  What did Reggie mean to Renee?

Reginald chose to confess all to Renee in a letter. Did you agree with this?  Could he have possibly prevented her retaliation had he chosen a different way to communicate the truth to her? Discuss Renee's state of mind after reading this letter and what she proceeds to do to guarantee an eternal revenge. Was her action foreshadowed?