November 9

November 9 begins with Fallon O’Neil fantasizing about using violence against her father Donovan O’Neil. This anger is fueled by the scars that mark the left side of her body from a house fire her father took responsibility for. These scars changed Fallon’s appearance and caused her to lose her coveted job as the lead actress on a television show—both impacting her ability to relate to others and find work as an actor. While Fallon’s scars are physical and tangible, they also enact emotional and intangible changes. Fallon is no longer as confident as she once was, no longer outgoing and able to pursue the life she once imagined for herself. The scars have changed the way she relates to others because of how she believes others perceive her.

When Fallon meets Ben Kessler, she is initially wary of his decision to defend her against her father. She does not believe Ben could possibly be attracted to her because of the way she perceives herself. However, Ben convinces her that he not only finds her attractive, but that her scars make her unique—telling her “I like the way your skin feels” (61) while caressing her scars.