Tanya Berenson Character Analysis in The Silent Patient

Tanya Berenson is Max Berenson’s receptionist and wife; they met when she started working in his office and married in the aftermath of Gabriel’s tragic death. Theo notices that Tanya is “afraid” of Max, in part because she seems to be aware of his strong feelings for Alicia. Tanya is pretty, sweet, and nervous, and her demure demeanor makes her an object of affection for Alicia’s cousin Paul Rose.

Tanya Berenson Character Timeline in The Silent Patient

The timeline below shows where the character Tanya Berenson appears in The Silent Patient. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...her father died—several years before the murder. Max shoos Theo away, explaining that he and Tanya—the receptionist—have recently gotten married. They have theater tickets for later that night. (full context)

On his way out, Tanya stops Theo and quietly whispers that he should talk to Paul Rose, Alicia’s cousin. “Ask... (full context)

Empathy, Identification, and Boundaries Theme Icon

Silence vs. “The Talking Cure” Theme Icon

...still, Gabriel announces that that night, they will go out to dinner with Max and Tanya. Alicia begins to fear that the man outside the window is Max, and she decides... (full context)

...their regular spot, no longer feels comforting and safe. At dinner, Max is all over Tanya, as if he is trying to make Alicia jealous. But both Alicia and Tanya notice... (full context)

...Alicia”; both father and daughter shared the same paranoias and anxieties. Finally, Theo brings up Tanya’s suggestion that Paul might have useful information. Theo realizes Paul has a crush on Tanya,... (full context)

Theo goes outside to smoke a cigarette, but he is interrupted by Max Berenson and Tanya. Max, having heard the news about Alicia, is violently angry; Tanya has to restrain him... (full context)