The Charm Offensive

Working for Ever After, Dev Deshpande prefers to focus on true love, soul mates, and happily ever afters, ignoring anything unpleasant about his work. Similarly, Dev is challenged with symptoms of depression throughout the novel, but attempts to dismiss this part of himself. In doing so, Dev prevents himself from becoming the healthiest version of himself, affecting his close relationships with others. Dev’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan Parker, notes, “‘Every time I tried to reach out, you retreated further into yourself. It was like you wanted to preserve this idea you thought I had of you. You wouldn’t let me love the real you’” (244). Dev also lives in denial about his career, choosing to stay in a workplace that doesn’t respect his identity as a gay man. In comparison, Dev proves he is emotionally supportive and empathic as he falls in love with Charlie Winshaw. Dev helps Charlie to discover parts of himself that bring him comfort and happiness.

Dev changes by focusing on Personal Growth and Self-Acceptance as he works with a therapist and pursues his career goals. While apologizing to Charlie for giving up on their love story, Dev explains, “I’m not sorry I left, because I needed to learn to take better care of myself” (346).