Analyzing Character Relationships in Literature

Read the following passage from a contemporary novel. As you read, consider the complexity of the characters' motivations and relationships.

In a world torn apart by distrust and misunderstanding, two characters, Sarah and Tom, find themselves drawn together despite their differences. Sarah, a devoted environmentalist, believes in the sanctity of nature, while Tom, a pragmatic businessman, views natural resources as means to an end. One evening, as a thunderstorm brews overhead, they engage in an intense debate over their beliefs, each fiercely defending their perspective.

Write an essay in which you analyze how the author develops the relationship between Sarah and Tom and how this relationship reflects broader social themes. Your essay should have a clear thesis statement and include specific evidence from the text to support your analysis.