Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

Hope

This is Hope's story; she's the one we're rooting for when she's hurting and cheering for when she gets the father she's been looking for.

When 12-year-old Tulip thinks about changing her name to Hope, Addie tells her to think long and hard about her choice before making it official. The preteen recognizes that "People expect Hopes to be cheerful and positive" (7), but ultimately decides that she can handle the responsibilities that come with the name.

At 16, Hope is everything the name implies and more. She faces challenges—and there are many in her life—with grace, humor, and optimism and is kind and caring to the core. Despite longing for some of the basic needs in life, she's happiest when she can focus on others rather than herself.