The 6:20 Man

The novel’s primary antagonist, Cowl is the affluent and egotistical owner of the financial firm Cowl and Comely. Portrayed as the stereotypical wealthy businessman, Cowl’s hubris and disregard for others are evident in his interpersonal relationships, notably with Michelle Montgomery and Jennifer Stamos. His deception about his family’s wealth and the nonexistence of his business partner, Anne Comely, further illustrate his duplicitous nature. Although Cowl is the face of the company, his murder suggests that he was merely a cog in a larger, more insidious operation.

Cowl is depicted as the quintessential villain of high finance, embodying the excesses and corruption of Wall Street. With his falsified narrative of self-made success, Cowl is a character who thrives on deception and the exploitation of those around him. His backstory is littered with lies, including the invention of a business partner and the distortion of his family’s financial history. The character study of Cowl reveals a man driven by greed and a superiority complex, who is ultimately revealed to be less powerful than he appears. His downfall and subsequent murder suggest a man who, despite his wealth and bravado, was merely a figurehead for more formidable forces.

Montgomery is a physically attractive woman caught in Cowl’s manipulative grasp. Her relationship with Cowl, based on financial dependency rather than mutual affection, undercuts her perceived lack of intelligence—a misconception that she ultimately disproves through her survival instincts and resourcefulness. Her character’s trajectory from Cowl’s subordinate to an independent individual who escapes to Italy offers a narrative of women’s empowerment, and her departure from the narrative leaves open the possibility for a future connection with Devine.

She serves as a counterpoint to Cowl’s ostentatious display of wealth and power. Initially portrayed as a woman who has succumbed to the allure of financial security offered by Cowl, Montgomery’s character evolves throughout the narrative. She emerges as a survivor with untapped intelligence and pragmatism, qualities that enable her to navigate the treacherous waters of Cowl’s world. Her relationship with Cowl is transactional and devoid of affection, yet she utilizes this arrangement to plan for a future beyond his influence. Her departure to Italy signifies a break from her past, and her open invitation to Devine indicates a desire for genuine connection, marking her personal growth and resilience.

Stamos is a mid-level employee at Cowl and Comely, and her secret romance with Sara Ewes challenges workplace norms and foregrounds the theme of The Search for Love. Stamos’s intelligence is evident, but her social naivety makes it easy for Cowl to exploit her, violating her privacy and using their intimate moments as a tool for manipulation.

Valentine is a Russian hacker sharing a house with Devine. His character is initially shrouded in mystery. Valentine’s character conveys the theme of The Search for Truth in the novel. His chosen name, a stand-in for his supposedly difficult-to-pronounce real one, hints at an identity concealed beneath the surface. His profession raises suspicions about his involvement in the money-laundering scheme. Valentine emerges as a tragic figure, a victim of circumstances rather than a perpetrator. His death, orchestrated by Jill Tapshaw, the novel’s true antagonist, casts a retrospective light on his character, revealing a depth that was previously obscured by the suspicions of others.

Ewes is portrayed as a bright and ambitious woman whose personal life became entangled with the dark machinations of Cowl and Comely. Her romantic relationship with Jennifer Stamos, kept secret due to workplace policies, foregrounds both the themes of The Search for Truth and The Search for Love in the novel.

The search for the truth surrounding Ewes’s suicide drives the narrative and becomes the focal point of Devine’s investigation, which ultimately leads to the discovery of her murder. Ewes is remembered by Devine as intelligent and capable, and her mysterious death acts as a catalyst for the unfolding events.

Tapshaw, one of Devine’s roommates, is the novel’s antagonist hiding in plain sight. Her intelligence and ownership of a dating website are overshadowed by her hidden involvement in the murders. Her confrontation with Devine at the novel’s climax exposes her as the mastermind behind the violence, ultimately leading to her demise.

Her character defies initial expectations, embodying the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” archetype. Her unassuming appearance and demeanor mask a highly intelligent and calculating mind, capable of orchestrating a complex series of murders. As the narrative unfolds, Tapshaw’s motivations are revealed to be deeply personal, tied to the loss of her brother and a twisted sense of justice. Her final confrontation with Devine is a dramatic unmasking of her character, where her cunning, ruthlessness, and vulnerability collide. In her demise, Tapshaw leaves behind a legacy of chaos and pain, underscoring the destructive power of unresolved grief and misguided vengeance.

Speers is another of Devine’s roommates. Her character suggests the theme of The Search for Truth by upending Devine’s initial assumptions. Devine first believes she is a suspect in Sara Ewes’s death, but she is revealed to be an ally, working undercover to protect him. Her character stands as a warning against hasty judgment and adds depth to the theme of hidden heroism.

Campbell, an official with the Office of Special Projects, recruits Devine and guides his actions throughout the investigation. His character embodies authority and integrity, serving as a mentor figure to Devine.

Chilton, a wealthy acquaintance of Montgomery, is entangled in Cowl’s world. His untimely death adds to the novel’s suspense and deepens the mystery surrounding the financial crimes.

The detectives represent law enforcement’s relentless pursuit of justice and for this reason exemplify the theme of The Search for Truth. Their aggressive demeanor underscores their dedication to solving the murders, adding tension to the narrative.

Sara’s parents, the Eweses, are minor yet important characters. Their harsh judgment of Sara’s choices parallels the harsh judgment Devine faced in his family. The Eweses’ subsequent murder by Tapshaw underscores the personal tragedies that weave through the story.

Myers is a custodian at Cowl and Comely and a pawn in Tapshaw’s murderous plot. His unremarkable life contrasts sharply with his violent end, highlighting the reach of Tapshaw’s influence.

His character also exemplifies the theme of The Search for Truth in the novel since he is used as a pawn and foil in Ewes’s death to shift suspicion onto Travis Devine.