Character Analysis
Richard, leader of Murrumbidgee House and next in line to assume command of the Underground Community, is Taylor's arch-nemesis when it comes to all things territory wars. He's the first person to oppose her appointment when the current leader hands his job over to Taylor, and he spends most of the beginning of the book waiting for his moment to stage a coup. "I'm staring at Richard," Taylor describes in the book's opening chapter. "He realizes I'm here to stay and […] the look in his eyes […] says betrayal, backstabbing, petulance, hatred, revenge, and anything else he's planning to major in" (1.67). Yikes.
At his core, Richard's an opportunist, which is why he takes advantage of Taylor's breakdown after Hannah leaves. With Taylor having lost all control of her House, "Richard attempts a coup and sends word to the Townies and Cadets that, due to unforeseen circumstances, he is taking control of the UC" (13.2). This, however, doesn't go over very well—although he has to answer to Taylor for his actions later, Jonah is quick to literally throw down Richard's rebellion by making it clear that the job is Taylor's. Boom.