Character Analysis
Fourteen-year-old Effie is Lena's little sister, and she is everything Lena isn't – outgoing, unique, and flirtatious with guys. She looks "identical to her parents and enjoys all the elements of Greek living" (18.8), like good food and good company; Effie is "exuberant, affectionate" (4.11) and seems like a hoot to be around. Plus Effie is the reason Carmen finds the Pants in the first place, since she only winds up at the thrift store because Effie is searching for a vintage prom dress—even Effie's style is vibrant, it seems.
While in Greece, Effie makes the most out of her time abroad, despite the fact that she has a boyfriend back home. She shrugs off her misgivings because she is "impervious to guilt" (17.10)—what happens in Greece, stays in Greece, we guess—and Lena watches her sister with envy. How does she find the courage to live life so passionately? It boggles Lena's mind.
Effie knows her sister struggles in the love-life area so she helps her realize her feelings for Kostos. She tells her Lena, "You're in love" (22.17), and encourages to tell Kostos how she feels. Effie, taking on the role of the big sister, tells her, "You have to be brave, okay?" (22.26). Lena thinks she summons courage from the Pants to finally be honest with Kostos, but maybe Effie deserves the credit.