Lisa Shilling

Lisa Shilling is one of the main protagonists in the narrative. Lisa is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shilling and the older sister of Tracy Shilling. Lisa has emotional problems that lead her friends to believe that she is manic-depressive (bi-polar). Lisa engages in self-mutilation, and is sometimes violent. At one point, Lisa exhibits signs of multiple personality disorder (MPD). Her other "personality" speaks with an English accent and makes cruel remarks to those around her. In this state, Lisa loved to "show off [...] to demonstrate how clever she was, how mean and brilliant and in charge" (p. 92). Lisa's behavior frightens and confuses her friends. She spirals downward, knowing all the while that she is losing her sanity.

Lisa pleads with her parents to get help for her, but her parents do not listen. As a result, Lisa has difficulty trusting people. In the beginning, she...