Character Clues

Character Analysis

Clothing

Clothing isn't just superficial in this book, and instead it provides another way of understanding the characters. For example, Charlie is often described as messy and unkempt; his clothing reflects his inner state, which is confused and a little rough around the edges. In the same way, Jenny Flick is described as someone who offers a hard-as-nails exterior, complete with lots of black and a great deal of eyeliner. The way that she puts herself together reveals that she is definitely a juvenile delinquent who is all trouble—her tough outside mirrors a dangerously hard inside.

On the other hand, Vera is most often seen in her Pagoda Pizza uniform because she's the kind of teenager who is constantly working and making responsible decisions (at least on the surface). So even when she's hanging out with vodka coolers on the regular, we know she hasn't completely lost her way.

Family Life

Please Ignore Vera Dietz delves into complicated family lives, which means that we see how these family lives reflect the characters. Charlie's family life is difficult, chaotic, and unpredictable thanks to his abusive father, and try as he might, Charlie can't escape that fate, turning into a confused teenage troublemaker who lashes out at Vera physically during an argument.

On the flip side, Vera's dad may seem like a dork, but he is actually a great person, as we see through the way that he treats Vera. He is always guiding her and trying to make sure that she gets the best out of life, and he takes on full-time parenting without complaining about his wife's abandonment. You know how Vera always holds down a job, no matter how much she feels like she's falling apart? That's all thanks to her daddy-o, who remains invested in her even when she's struggling to do so herself.