Trusting the Traumatic Experience: Unravelling Theo Faber in The Silent Patient

The paper analyzes the complex character of Theo Faber in Alex Michaelides' The Silent Patient, a psychological thriller, focusing on the themes of obsession, trauma, and trust. Theo's abusive past and childhood trauma shape his career and relationship decisions, resulting in manipulative and harmful actions. The novel unfolds around Theo's involvement in the murder of Gabriel, Alicia's husband, about his psychological susceptibility and loss of faith. Drawing on philosophical accounts of trust by thinkers such as Katherine Hawley and Edward Hinchman, the paper critically explores Theo's intrapersonal and interpersonal issues with trust, but most notably the interplay between rationality, lying, and trauma in his behaviour.