Cannie Shapiro

Cannie is the main character of the book and is the narrator. Cannie is the eldest of three children of divorced parents. Her father left when she was a teenager, and she has not seen him in years. Cannie's mother still lives in Philadelphia, with her spouse Tanya, whom Cannie dislikes.

Cannie's father leaving had a significant impact on Cannie's self-esteem. Her father was the person who first told her that she was fat and that perception has stayed with Cannie her whole life thus far. She recognizes that her family history has an effect on how she enters relationships, but continues to doubt herself and be validated by having men be interested in her. What men think of Cannie has a huge affect on her self-confidence; no matter how much her family or friends tell her that she is beautiful and good, it is the treatment...