While Justice Sleeps

Avery is the protagonist of While Justice Sleeps (although the book is told not from her point of view but from that of an omniscient third-person narrator). Avery is a 26-year-old law clerk who works for Justice Wynn and is named his power of attorney when Justice Wynn puts himself into a coma. Avery’s character is defined primarily by her loyalty and embodies the book’s argument that genuine loyalty is both difficult to find and valuable. Avery is loyal to her mother, Rita, even though Rita emotionally and financially abuses her. Avery is also loyal to Justice Wynn, even though his decision to name her his power of attorney complicates her life immensely, threatening her job, her family (Rita), and even her life. Avery herself recognizes this fact, describing her role with some bitterness: “Justice Wynn couldn’t have given a damn about what this would cost me. He had a goal, and he needed a weapon. That’s me. A blind, stupid, loyal weapon that would stay on course until I hit my target” (238).

Avery’s character is also used to explore The Pervasive Nature of Corruption, another central theme to the work.