The protagonist in "Don't Look Back" by Jennifer L. Armentrout grapples with the disorientation of living a life that feels entirely foreign to her. She is trapped in the identity of Samantha Joe Franco, a girl whose past and experiences are a mystery to her. As she discovers more about this girl, her feelings shift from confusion to contempt, indicating a deep internal struggle with identity and perception.

This conflict highlights the challenges of understanding oneself when faced with the memories and choices of another. The protagonist's journey becomes one of self-discovery amid the shadows of Samantha's life, pushing her to confront not just who Samantha was, but also who she might choose to be moving forward.