Dick Diver as Control Freak in Tender Is the NightIn Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night, Dick Diver is given the role of the doctor, but does not play this role convincingly. In modern technical terms, Diver is a control freak, more dysfunctional than his patient and wife, Nicole Diver. As Diver loses control of more and more situations and begins to take on Nicole's instabilities, his integrity diminishes: he becomes more of a drunkard and less of a psychiatrist. Diver's profession as a psychiatrist is the first sign Fitzgerald gives to the reader that Diver's character is thriving. about understanding and conquering the human mind. Diver has only one plan: “To be a good psychologist, perhaps the greatest who ever lived” (Fitzgerald, Tender, 132). This goal represents Diver's interest in overpowering others initially through medical practice and his knowledge that he has the ability to do so. Rooted in Diver's past, the desire for control later manifests itself in Diver's relationships and calculated behaviors. Fitzgerald highlights Diver's incessant need to control people when he describes the Divers' infamous parties. Diver wants to "throw a really bad party... a party where there are fights and seductions and people walk around the house hurt and women pass out in the cabinet de toilette" (27). To achieve this, Diver perfected the skill of manipulating his hosts, so much so that he "won everyone quickly with an exquisite consideration and a kindness that moved so quickly and intuitively that it could only be examined in its effects (27-28 ) Diver believes he has the power to dictate the behavior of his guests and the outcome of his parties. Playing with people has become a hobby of Diver, as he must be in control of his guests and the evening at all times Diver's dominant nature presents himself not only at his parties, but also in his relationships with Nicole Diver. Although Diver loves his wife, he "manages" her, always treating her as a patient over whom he has power, they say the letters Diver sends to Nicole Diver, "be a good girl and watch out for doctors" (130). These were not traditional love letters, rather letters between an adoring patient and her doctor. Diver maintained his superior status as a doctor who had control over her as he corresponded with her his letters contained orders for her behavior... he knew she would follow his directions.