Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 4-28-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

May 2026

Department

English

College Granting Degree

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Department Granting Degree

English

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Ayşe Papatya Bucak

Abstract

With a predictable job, a rent-stabilized apartment, and stellar dental insurance, still, Ever E. Whan does not like her office job any more than she did on day one. Nothing about it suits her—not the work, the hours, the team, not the break-room coffee machine. She thinks of quitting every day, but something she can’t name, but feels overwhelmingly, keeps her there. While she fantasizes about her grand resignation, she isn’t moved to act until a tragedy occurs on the job.

Hoping to do just about anything else, Ever isn’t quite prepared for the offer she’s given: to work as a professional “pretender.” An impersonator, a body double, Ever is offered the chance to shed her skin to travel the country with a new face, a new life, a new purpose every time.

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