For those calling or thinking that Dennis is weak/ a loser

I wouldn’t go as far as calling Dennis a loser. Rather, he’s a victim of a manipulative and toxic relationship. He may come across as a “loser” to us as readers because the book makes the red flags in his situation painfully obvious.

In the latter part of Chapter 6, we see how Todd exploits Dennis’ anxiety around disappointing others. He dangles the promise of love and companionship—on the condition that Dennis proves his loyalty by killing a sheep. This moment showcases Todd’s manipulative skills and the effects of his subtly planted justifications (“losing one or two sheep isn’t a big deal”) to influence Dennis' future decision. Faced with a choice between displeasing his employers or disappointing Todd—who is physically present and emotionally imposing—Dennis chooses Todd. Not just because he hopes the consequences at work will be minor, but because he’s desperate to avoid the dissapponting stare of the very present Todd.

This is manipulation 101. But the deeper question is: if you were in Dennis’ exact situation, with his same emotional baggage and fears, would you really be able to say no to Todd?