Characters Second Act Danielle Steel

Andy Westfield Character Analysis – Second Act by Danielle Steel

Overview

Andy Westfield is the protagonist of Danielle Steel's Second Act, a Hollywood insider forced to rebuild his identity after a sudden firing. He begins as the powerful CEO of Global Studios, a role that defines him entirely. By the story's end, he has transformed into an independent film producer in England, having reclaimed his sense of self through creative collaboration and genuine love. This analysis traces how Andy's decisions, relationships, and inner struggles drive the novel's central exploration of reinvention and second chances.

Plot Role

Andy serves as the reader's entry point into the narrative. His fall from the top of the industry and subsequent rise as an indie producer mirrors the book's title. The story follows his emotional and professional arc: losing his job, spiraling into despair, escaping to England, hiring Violet Smith, discovering her manuscript, producing a film together, and ultimately rejecting a return to corporate power. His choices shape every major event, and his personal growth becomes the novel's moral compass.

Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions

Early in the story, Andy is motivated by power, status, and the prestige of running a studio. The novel makes clear that he "loved the power when he had it" and that his job was "like a vital organ." His daily actions—arranging red-carpet appearances, managing staff, overseeing productions—are driven by a need to maintain control and respect.

However, after being fired, a different Andy emerges. He drinks heavily and isolates himself, showing vulnerability and a loss of direction. Yet he also demonstrates resilience: he asks his assistant to find a rental in England, travels commercial for the first time in nineteen years, and commits to finding a new path. His decision to help Violet with her manuscript reveals his genuine love for storytelling and mentorship, traits that were dormant during his studio days.

Andy's honesty and integrity remain constants. Even when powerful, he never abused his position. His assistant Frances describes him as "a very proper, respectful man." After his fall, he refuses to exploit Violet's story and instead supports her with genuine care.

Chronological Arc

  • Chapter 1–3: Andy is at the peak of his career as Global Studios CEO. He attends the Academy Awards, dates actress Alana Beal, and dismisses rumors of a sale. When the sale goes through, he is fired and escorted out by security.
  • Chapter 4–5: Andy descends into heavy drinking and isolation. His girlfriend leaves him. He decides to rent a house in Winchelsea Beach, England, and says goodbye to Frances.
  • Chapter 6–7: In England, he hires Violet Smith as a part-time assistant. He discovers her manuscript, praises it, and offers to help get it produced.
  • Chapter 8–9: Andy contacts producer Dash Hemming, who agrees to coproduce the film. Andy learns Violet's tragic backstory: she was married to a criminal financier and lost her son. He realizes he loves her.
  • Chapter 14–15: Andy returns to LA for awards. Tightrope wins Best Dramatic Picture at the Golden Globes. Violet turns down a TV offer to continue working with him. They write a second script together.
  • Chapter 16–18: Andy is offered the CEO position at Planet Z Studios. He agonizes over the decision, flies to LA, but ultimately declines. He returns to Violet, choosing love and creative partnership over power.
  • Chapter 18 (end): Seventeen months after his firing, Andy reflects that his former power was an illusion. He and Violet begin filming their second movie, finding genuine happiness in their shared work.

Relationships

With Violet Smith: Violet becomes Andy's greatest influence. He starts as her mentor, helping type and produce her manuscript. Over time, their relationship deepens into romantic love. Violet's honesty and talent help Andy rediscover his own creative passion. She supports him when he considers the Planet Z offer, and he ultimately chooses her over a return to power.

With his father John Westfield: John Westfield's example looms large. Andy frequently remembers his father's advice and values. When he declines the Planet Z job, he recalls his father's words. The poster of John in Andy's study serves as a moral touchstone.

With Alana Beal: Andy's girlfriend at the start. Their relationship is based on convenience and ambition. After he is fired, Alana ends things without sympathy, revealing her shallow nature. This contrast highlights Violet's authenticity.

With Wendy (daughter): Wendy remains a steady presence despite Andy's absentee fatherhood. She supports him after the firing, and later bonds with Violet. Her acceptance of his choices signals his growth as a parent.

With Frances: His loyal assistant of fifteen years. She helps Andy flee to England and is the only person who remains genuinely kind. Their relationship underscores Andy's ability to inspire loyalty without using his status.

With Dash Hemming: A producer who becomes Andy's professional partner. Dash reads Violet's manuscript overnight and offers to coproduce. He later jokes with Andy about the Planet Z offer, showing a friendship built on mutual respect.

Key Decisions and Consequences

  1. Fleeing to England (Chapter 4): After his spiral, Andy chooses to leave LA rather than fight for his reputation. This allows him to escape humiliation and eventually meet Violet. The consequence is a temporary loss of identity, but opens a path to reinvention.

  2. Hiring Violet (Chapter 6): He takes a chance on a woman who has been out of work for eleven years. This decision leads to discovering her talent and eventually falling in love. It marks the start of his recovery.

  3. Declining the Planet Z CEO offer (Chapter 17): Andy travels to LA considering the role, but remembers his father's advice about the price of power. He emails his refusal and returns to Violet. This choice solidifies his new identity as a creative partner, not a corporate titan.

  4. Choosing indie film over studio control (Chapter 8–18): Throughout the story, Andy repeatedly opts for independent, artist-driven work over the secure but soul-crushing power of a studio. This culminates in his rejection of Planet Z and satisfaction with his new life.

  5. Not attending the Oscar ceremony (Chapter 15): Andy decides to skip the Academy Awards for his second film, focusing on the new project instead. This shows his priorities have shifted from external validation to internal fulfillment.

Theme/Symbol Connections

Reinvention and Second Chances: Andy's entire arc embodies this theme. He loses everything and rebuilds himself from scratch. The epigraph from Louis L'Amour—"when everything appears finished, that moment is actually the beginning of something new"—directly foreshadows his journey.

Identity and Loss of Self: For Andy, being CEO was his identity. After the firing, he feels like "a man without a face." The novel explores how he must separate his worth from his job title.

Power versus Fulfillment: The choice between Planet Z and Violet's partnership is the central conflict. Andy learns that power is "ephemeral" and "turns to dust," while meaningful work and love provide lasting satisfaction.

Creative Collaboration and Mentorship: Andy's relationship with Violet is a reversal of traditional mentor-mentee roles. He initially guides her, but she ultimately helps him rediscover his own creativity. Their partnership is the engine of his transformation.

Overcoming Past Trauma: Andy's childhood memories of his loving parents contrast with his lonely adult life. He must overcome the trauma of his failed marriage and absentee parenting. His relationship with Violet allows him to heal and reconnect with the values his father taught him.

Five Questions and Answers

1. Why does Andy decide to go to England instead of staying in Los Angeles?
After his firing, Andy spirals into heavy drinking and feels humiliated by public attention. His assistant Frances suggests leaving, and he asks her to find a rental. England offers anonymity and a clean break, allowing him to heal without facing constant reminders of his fall.

2. What is the significance of Andy's relationship with his father's poster?
John Westfield's poster in Andy's study symbolizes the moral compass Andy nearly lost. Before leaving LA, Andy speaks to the poster, promising to find the right path. His father's advice later helps him reject the Planet Z offer, choosing values over status.

3. How does Violet's backstory change Andy's feelings for her?
When Violet reveals she was married to a criminal financier and lost her son, Andy is "deeply moved" and realizes he loves her. Her vulnerability and strength humanize her in his eyes, deepening his respect and affection beyond professional admiration.

4. Why does Andy refuse the Planet Z CEO position?
After flying to LA, Andy remembers his father's counsel and reflects on what he would lose: his new creative life with Violet, his self-respect, and the genuine happiness he has found. He concludes that the price of power is too high and emails his refusal.

5. What does Andy mean when he says his former power was "an illusion"?
In the final chapter, Andy recognizes that his status as a studio head was fragile and dependent on corporate whims. His firing proved that power could vanish instantly. In contrast, writing and directing with Violet provides authentic fulfillment that cannot be taken away.