Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses ableism.

Melody Brooks is the 12-year-old protagonist and narrator of the novel. She has cerebral palsy, a condition that inhibits her ability to control her muscles, and as a result, she cannot walk or talk and has limited control over her movements. She uses a wheelchair and an assistive communication device, the latter of which she affectionately names Elvira. With Elvira’s help, Melody types out messages using her thumb, and this process allows her to express her thoughts and personality through Elvira’s electronic voice.

Melody’s intelligence and curiosity are central to her identity, and many scenes in the novel reveal that she is a deeply observant and poetic thinker who often sees the world in terms of motifs and symbols that she relates to books or films. Melody is also a voracious learner who dives into new topics with an eagerness that underscores her boundless intellectual curiosity. For example, when she learns that Miss Gertie is from England, Melody doesn’t stop at this surface detail; instead, she immerses herself in reading about England, seeking to understand the history, culture, and nuances of the place.