Character Analysis
When Nick first hears the name of Tanner Bolt's wife, Betsy, he initially pictures "a diminutive blonde Southern-belle white girl" (41.75). In reality though, she's a tall, slender black woman who could probably kick Tyra Banks's butt in a runway walk. Fortunately for Nick, she's also an expert on correcting public relations nightmares. You know—like his.
If there's anything Nick takes from his first meeting with Betsy, it's this: she doesn't blow sunshine. She gets down to the nitty gritty and tells you the truth, no matter how hard it is to take. She tells Nick point blank, "You're awful" (41.83), and throws jellybeans at him during rehearsals for his Sharon Schieber interview to train him to not look stiff on camera. "I aim for absolute authenticity," she says. "Aside from my Georgia accent. And being black" (41.88). So not only is she a PR pro, but Betsy's got a sharp wit to boot.
We almost have to wonder who the real brains is behind Tanner Bolt's operation. The guy may be the best attorney around for jerkboys who look like they've killed their wives, but he's probably had some jellybeans pelted his way at one time or another too.