The protagonist starts the story as an exuberant, sexually aware young woman. She enters into a relationship with her future husband in part to satisfy her sexual cravings; she is somewhat liberated by his ability to meet her sexual fantasies. However, not too long after they marry, she becomes pregnant. Her priorities change with motherhood. Throughout the story, her husband’s curiosity about the ribbon she wears around her neck threatens her sense of security. Her husband is an invasive and foreboding presence in her life despite her strong love for him. Her need to please him overpowers her ability to attend to her own needs and desires. Eventually she gives up her life for his desires: She allows him to touch her ribbon, and her head falls off.

The main character of “Inventory” serves as a traveling heroine. She catalogues her sexual exploits before and after the outbreak of a deadly virus. Despite the virus’s widening range, the main character survives by moving from place to place and being vigilant about whom she comes into contact with. As the situation becomes more dire, the main character increases her list-making, implying that this activity is a psychological survival strategy.