Mitchard reveals Vincent to us in stages, allowing us to see him develop from a typical older brother to a troubled teenager. Both Vincent and Ben are known to the outside world by different names. In many instances Beth reacts angrily when her family expresses hope for Ben's return. The title, The Deep End of the Ocean , refers to Ben's first, timid reaction to a large body of water. Later in the novel, Beth reflects that Ben has indeed been to the ocean's deep end, and returned.
Reunions play an important role throughout the story.
After Ben's disappearance, Beth ceases to communicate with just about everybody, except Candy. It is by turns lyrical and startling, brilliant.