With the Grey sisters at the center of the story, True Colors explores the bonds of sisterhood and family loyalty. As the novel begins, the Greys equate family pride and the portrayal of unity with loyalty. However, this harms the foundations of the family, and over time, the Grey sisters discover what true support and loyalty mean.

The Grey sisters learn their ideas about family unity from their father, Henry, who is especially influential since he is the only parent they have after their mother’s early death. There are family rituals the Greys must follow unfailingly, like walking to church together every Sunday and spending the rest of the day together after. These rituals are so ingrained that the sisters come together for them regardless of how they feel toward each other and Henry at any given time. For instance, Aurora and Winona both see and resent Henry’s meanness and selfishness yet constantly defer to him, with Winona especially craving Henry’s approval. Similarly, these dinners and family meet-ups persist despite the fraying relationship between Winona and Vivi Ann.

Over time, Henry’s influence fades, and a rift appears in the family. Henry’s differing treatment of his daughters lies at the root of this rift, as it engenders bitterness and resentment between Winona and Vivi Ann.