Rachel is the main protagonist in the novel, and most of the chapters are centered around her thoughts and feelings about the classroom events. In the beginning of the novel, the narrative reveals that Rachel stopped talking immediately after she found out Tommy died suddenly in the night. She feels that she has “[t]he right to remain silent” (4), a phrase she heard on a cop show—but this “right” gathers complexity as the narrative unfolds. In some ways, Rachel remains silent because, while other parts of her life seem chaotic, her words are the one thing she can control. In other ways, her silence is almost a kind of self-punishment for being mean to Tommy and for scolding her parents’ bickering. In still other ways, it is Rachel’s way of protecting others; she fears her words are harmful. When Rachel finally regains her voice, it symbolizes newfound understanding and acceptance in these areas of conflict.

Throughout the novel, the reader learns that Rachel had a tumultuous relationship with Tommy. He had a huge crush on her and was not shy about it, and she would reject him every

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