Many characters in the novel behave in risky ways. They either ignore the consequences of their actions or continue to take risks even once they are grappling with the consequences of these choices. By depicting intelligent and self-aware characters behaving in compulsive and reckless ways, Lee explores ideas of desire and constraint to suggest that even rational individuals do not always behave in rational ways. Casey struggles with excessive spending throughout the novel, even though she often has very limited income. Her expenditures result partly from living an expensive lifestyle in New York City and partly from her own desires for luxury, leaving Casey to lament that “life cost so much money” (160). Casey is frequently distressed by the amount of credit card debt she is accruing, yet she finds herself unable to stop spending. Her compulsive purchases become a key motivation for her to pursue a career as an investment banker; this career path, which would likely lead to a high salary, seems more possible and preferable to changing her compulsive behavior, speaking to the power of the compulsion.

The power of compulsion is evident for other characters too, similarly expressed by the dire consequences they face.