The Favorites Essay Prompts: 12 Analytical Writing Topics

1. The Evolution of Katarina Shaw: From Ambition to Redefinition of Success

Trace Katarina's character arc from the opening scene, where she carves her name into the headboard with Heath, to the epilogue, where she coaches at Bella's rink. How does her definition of winning change, and what catalyzes that shift?

Why it matters: This prompt asks you to analyze the central character's transformation, which is the novel's emotional core. It forces you to consider how trauma, betrayal, and love reshape a person's values.

Sample thesis direction: Katarina's journey from obsessive competitor to fulfilled coach demonstrates that true success is not measured by medals but by the quality of one's relationships and the ability to find peace outside the arena.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 1: Carving 'Shaw & Rocha' into the headboard, symbolizing youthful ambition and permanence.
Chapter 45: Reading media coverage and realizing the public loves her only when she is vulnerable, prompting her to question the cost of her ambition.
Chapter 84: Heath's collapse on the ice, forcing her to prioritize love over victory.
Epilogue: Coaching at North Shore, finding fulfillment in nurturing the next generation, and reflecting that she has a 'fulfilling life' without Olympic gold.
Chapter 66: Building a private rink in the stable, showing her need to reclaim skating on her own terms.

2. The Causal Chain: How Sheila Lin's Manipulation Drives the Plot

Examine the moments where Sheila orchestrates events—from sending Heath to Russia to leaking the tell-all article. How do her actions create a domino effect that shapes the fates of Katarina, Heath, and the Lins?

Why it matters: This prompt focuses on causality and the theme of manipulation. It asks you to trace how a single character's choices ripple through the narrative, revealing the novel's intricate plotting.

Sample thesis direction: Sheila's relentless pursuit of control over her children's and students' careers is the primary engine of the plot, as each act of manipulation—from Heath's exile to the article's timing—directly precipitates the characters' downfalls and reconciliations.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 63: Katarina realizes Sheila orchestrated the tell-all article and sent Heath to Russia, connecting the dots.
Chapter 64: Sheila admits she sent Heath to Veronika hoping he would give up, but he proved tougher.
Chapter 29: Heath's return as Bella's partner, which Katarina later learns was Sheila's idea.
Chapter 47: Veronika hints that Sheila tips off paparazzi, showing her ongoing manipulation.
Chapter 49: Sheila's cold response to Katarina's independence, leading to their split.

3. The Push-Pull of Katarina and Heath: A Study in Codependency and Growth

Analyze the relationship between Katarina and Heath from their childhood bond to their final reconciliation. How does their partnership both enable and hinder their individual growth?

Why it matters: This prompt explores the central relationship, asking you to consider how love and ambition intersect, and how two people can be both each other's salvation and destruction.

Sample thesis direction: Katarina and Heath's relationship is a codependent cycle where each uses the other as an anchor, but their growth only begins when they are forced apart, allowing them to return as more complete individuals.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 3: Katarina reveals her first love was skating, not Heath, establishing the tension.
Chapter 25: Heath overhears Katarina say he holds her back, leading to his three-year disappearance.
Chapter 29: Heath returns transformed, and Katarina realizes his hatred made him a better skater.
Chapter 84: Heath's collapse and Katarina's refusal to let go, showing their enduring bond.
Epilogue: They never marry but remain deeply connected, suggesting a mature, non-possessive love.

4. Contrasting Scenes: The Headboard Carving and the Final Kiss

Compare the opening scene where Katarina and Heath carve their names into the headboard with the final kiss on the ice in Sochi. How do these moments bookend the novel and reflect the characters' evolution?

Why it matters: This prompt asks you to analyze structure and symbolism through contrasting scenes. It highlights how the novel's beginning and end mirror each other while showing profound change.

Sample thesis direction: The headboard carving represents youthful, impulsive commitment, while the final kiss—after years of betrayal and growth—signifies a mature, chosen love that transcends victory and defeat.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 1: Carving 'Shaw & Rocha' into the headboard, a permanent mark of their bond.
Chapter 45: Katarina traces the carving years later, reflecting on how much has changed.
Chapter 84: Heath collapses after their Olympic free dance, and Katarina kisses him, echoing the earlier intimacy but now with full awareness of its cost.
Chapter 85: Katarina refuses to appeal the medal stripping, prioritizing Heath over external validation.
Epilogue: The headboard remains unchanged, symbolizing their enduring connection despite life's upheavals.

5. Ambition vs. Love: The Central Conflict in The Favorites

Explore how the novel pits ambition against love, using Katarina's choices as a lens. When does she prioritize one over the other, and what are the consequences?

Why it matters: This prompt addresses the novel's central theme, asking you to analyze the tension between personal desire and romantic connection.

Sample thesis direction: Katarina repeatedly sacrifices love for ambition—from leaving Heath for Garrett to ignoring his needs—but ultimately learns that love, not medals, gives her life meaning.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 25: Katarina tells Ellis that Heath has been holding her back, choosing ambition over him.
Chapter 26: She partners with Garrett, prioritizing her career.
Chapter 45: She admits she misses skating and wants to return with Heath, showing a shift.
Chapter 84: She chooses to stay with Heath after his collapse, abandoning her pursuit of gold.
Epilogue: She finds fulfillment in coaching, not competing, redefining ambition.

6. The Symbolism of the Rose: From Romance to Betrayal

Trace the motif of roses throughout the novel, from the red rose Heath gives Katarina after their first Nationals to the yellow roses and blood-soaked vase in Sochi. How does the meaning of the rose evolve?

Why it matters: This prompt focuses on symbolism and how a single image can carry shifting meanings, enriching the narrative.

Sample thesis direction: The rose transforms from a symbol of romantic love to one of betrayal and threat, mirroring the corruption of Katarina and Heath's relationship by external forces.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 8: Heath hands Katarina a single red rose after their first major competition, symbolizing their budding romance.
Chapter 68: Katarina finds yellow roses on her doorstep, which Heath later explains signify betrayal in Russian culture.
Chapter 73: A vase of red roses with blood-like liquid is left in their Sochi hotel room, a direct threat.
Chapter 74: Katarina recalls the yellow roses and the card, connecting the incidents.
Chapter 76: The free dance dress is soaked in animal blood and rose petals, escalating the symbolism.

7. The Narrative Structure: How Flashbacks and Framing Shape the Story

Analyze the novel's use of non-linear storytelling, particularly the flashbacks to Katarina's childhood and the framing device of the documentary in the epilogue. How does this structure affect your understanding of the characters?

Why it matters: This prompt asks you to consider how narrative structure influences reader perception and thematic depth.

Sample thesis direction: The novel's fragmented timeline, interweaving past and present, mirrors Katarina's fractured identity and allows the reader to see how her past traumas shape her present choices.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 3: Flashback to Katarina's first love of skating and her abusive brother.
Chapter 7: Flashback to her father's death, revealing her grief.
Chapter 26: Flashback to the frozen lake incident with Heath, establishing their bond.
Epilogue: The documentary framing suggests that Katarina's story is being reinterpreted, and she has gained control over her narrative.
Chapter 85: The hearing scene is presented as a memory, showing how Katarina reflects on her past.

8. Foreshadowing: Early Incidents That Predict Later Betrayals

Identify moments in the early chapters that foreshadow major betrayals, such as Bella's manipulation, Heath's secrets, or Sheila's orchestration. How does the author plant seeds for later revelations?

Why it matters: This prompt focuses on foreshadowing and narrative craft, asking you to trace how the author builds suspense and coherence.

Sample thesis direction: The novel's early scenes, from Bella's warning about discretion to Heath's evasiveness about his past, subtly foreshadow the betrayals that will fracture the central relationships.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 17: Bella warns Katarina to be discreet about her relationship with Heath, hinting at the importance of secrets.
Chapter 18: Bella proposes they stay at the Academy, setting up her later manipulation.
Chapter 29: Heath's return as Bella's partner is foreshadowed by Bella's calm about Zack's departure.
Chapter 47: Veronika's accusation about Sheila tipping off paparazzi foreshadows Sheila's larger manipulation.
Chapter 59: The Kiss & Cry article about Heath's past is foreshadowed by his reluctance to discuss his three years away.

9. The Ending: Redefining Winning in the Epilogue

Analyze the epilogue's portrayal of Katarina's life after the scandal. How does the novel challenge conventional definitions of success and happiness?

Why it matters: This prompt asks you to interpret the novel's conclusion and its thematic message about what constitutes a fulfilling life.

Sample thesis direction: The epilogue redefines winning as the ability to build a life of purpose and connection, as Katarina finds contentment in coaching, friendship, and her enduring bond with Heath, despite lacking Olympic gold.

Evidence leads:

Epilogue: Katarina coaches at North Shore, works with young skaters, and reflects on her 'fulfilling life.'
Epilogue: She and Heath never marry but remain deeply connected, suggesting love without possession.
Epilogue: Bella's rink renovation and Garrett's participation in the documentary show the characters moving forward.
Chapter 85: Katarina refuses to appeal the medal stripping, prioritizing Heath over external validation.
Chapter 66: She builds a private rink, reclaiming skating for herself.

10. Performance vs. Authenticity: The Masks Characters Wear

Examine how characters like Katarina, Heath, and Sheila perform for the public while hiding their true selves. How does the novel critique the pressure to maintain a public image?

Why it matters: This prompt explores a central theme and asks you to analyze the tension between public persona and private reality.

Sample thesis direction: The novel argues that the relentless demand for performance—both on and off the ice—forces characters into inauthentic lives, leading to emotional isolation and eventual breakdown.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 15: Katarina feels self-conscious about her appearance at Sheila's party, highlighting the performance of femininity.
Chapter 22: Heath's jealousy over the billboard shows the clash between public image and private insecurity.
Chapter 45: Katarina realizes the public loves her only when she is vulnerable, exposing the artificiality of their adoration.
Chapter 52: The 'Wicked Game' kiss becomes pure choreography, showing the commodification of intimacy.
Chapter 60: The Olympic free dance becomes a violent, unhinged performance, revealing the cracks in their facade.

11. Manipulation and Control: Sheila's Legacy

Analyze Sheila Lin's role as a manipulator, from her coaching methods to her orchestration of Heath's exile. How does her desire for control shape the lives of the younger characters?

Why it matters: This prompt focuses on the theme of manipulation and control, asking you to examine how one character's actions have far-reaching consequences.

Sample thesis direction: Sheila's manipulation is rooted in her own unfulfilled ambition, and she uses her children and students as pawns to extend her legacy, ultimately destroying their relationships and her own.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 13: Sheila is rarely present, but her rules and expectations dominate the Academy.
Chapter 63: Katarina realizes Sheila orchestrated the tell-all article and sent Heath to Russia.
Chapter 64: Sheila admits she sent Heath to Veronika hoping he would fail, but he proved tougher.
Chapter 28: Sheila's brunch and her cold demeanor after Worlds show her prioritizing image over care.
Chapter 65: At Sheila's funeral, Garrett reveals she had cancer, but her manipulation continued until the end.

12. Sacrifice and the Cost of Success: What Characters Give Up

Explore the various sacrifices characters make in pursuit of success—Katarina selling her mother's ring, Heath enduring abuse in Russia, Bella hiding her pregnancy. How does the novel portray the price of ambition?

Why it matters: This prompt asks you to analyze the theme of sacrifice and its consequences, connecting individual choices to broader commentary on the sports world.

Sample thesis direction: The novel illustrates that success in elite athletics demands sacrifices that often strip characters of their identities, relationships, and well-being, leaving them to question whether the cost was worth it.

Evidence leads:

Chapter 10: Katarina sells her mother's engagement ring to fund their training, symbolizing the loss of family legacy.
Chapter 30: Heath's back is covered in scars from his training in Russia, showing physical sacrifice.
Chapter 72: Bella reveals she is pregnant and has severe preeclampsia, having hidden her condition to compete.
Chapter 84: Heath collapses on the ice, and Katarina realizes she never told him she loved him, showing the emotional cost.
Epilogue: Katarina reflects that she lacks Olympic gold but has a fulfilling life, suggesting she has redefined what success costs.