False Witness

Analyze the book’s title, False Witness. Consider the relevant biblical allusion (“Thou shalt not bear false witness”) and the legal term “false witness,” which refers to a person who is lying or perjuring themselves. Which character might this description refer to?

Consider the relationship between Leigh and Callie and what binds them. Is it their shared trauma? The fact that they are sisters? Justify your argument with examples.

Side characters like Walter and Maddy barely figure into the plot in an active way, but are passively significant, as they motivate Leigh’s and Callie’s actions. Trace these secondary characters’ roles throughout the book, providing examples of when and how they inspired the protagonists to act.

Phil, Callie and Leigh’s mother, is barely seen in the book. However, it’s made clear that she is an abusive and neglectful mother. Why might the author choose to include this information? How does it impact the reader’s understanding of Callie and Leigh, and their relationships opposite others—like Buddy?

Dr. Jerry is a kind-hearted man who seems to embody the non-threatening nature of animals that Callie finds so comforting. Discuss the implications of Dr. Jerry equipping Callie with the fatal syringe that ultimately takes Andrew/Trevor’s life. Consider the ways that Andrew/Trevor is compared to an animal by characters like Callie and Linda.

There are numerous examples of misogyny in the book, Andrew/Trevor being the most obvious. Analyze some of the more subtle examples of misogyny and discuss their relevance. Examples could include Buddy’s friends, Reggie Paltz, and even Cole Bradley.

The plot twist regarding Maddy’s biological mom isn’t necessary for the narrative as a whole—the book could have stood without it. Why might the author include this detail? What does it add to the story? How does it impact the reader’s perceptions of Callie and Leigh?

Discuss the significance of the videotapes to the book, considering not only their relevance to the plot but also their symbolic relevance. Why does it matter that Leigh reclaims the videotapes at the end?