Character: David

David is a pivotal character in Janice Galloway’s novel, The Trick is to Keep Breathing.
He is the deceased lover of the novel’s protagonist, Joy Stone, and his death acts as a core trigger for Joy’s mental decline.
Through characterising David as a person full of life and charm, Galloway contrasts this with his ultimate fate, which heightens the sense of loss and grief.
David’s absence forms the emotional void that Joy struggles to cope with, giving the readers a deep insight into the theme of bereavement and mental health.

The primary relationship for David is with Joy, who presents David posthumously, reflecting her emotional turmoil.
The memories of their relationship form the sub-plot of the novel.
Despite being married to another woman, David had an influential and intimate bond with Joy, which further complicates Joy’s emotional state.

Although readers only come to know David through Joy’s memories and reflections, his influence is pivotal in shaping Joy’s character arc.
Despite not being actively present, David’s character evolves in readers’ minds as Joy’s memories move from deeply personal to painfully tragic.
Ultimately, David is characterised not for his own evolution but for the deep impact his death has on the mental health of Joy Stone.

Grief and Loss: David’s death is central to Joy’s experience of grief and intensifies her descent into mental health crisis.
Betrayal: His status as a married man heightens Joy’s sense of isolation and betrayal, furthering her mental distress.
Appearance vs Reality: In Joy’s memories, David appears as charming and nearly perfect; contrastingly, the reality of his betrayal adds a layer of complexity to his characters.

“I had loved him. I mean, really loved him.” - This quote emphasises the intimate bond between David and Joy, highlighting its significance in the narrative.
“He was laughing, saying he was crazy to have a woman like me.” - This showcases the charm and influence David held over Joy.
“I went to the funeral. Stood at the back.” - This poignant reflection by Joy underlines her profound grief and isolation after David’s death.