Patrick O’Hara

Patrick O’Hara is the main protagonist of the novel and the one that the narrator focuses on. As a former actor, Patrick loves the spotlight, even when he pretends like he is happy being in retirement. This is represented in his constant humor and willingness to embrace nicknames that draws more attention to himself. He also loves making other people smile, even though he often ignores his own struggles and deeper emotions. Due to this, Patrick’s excitable exterior is juxtaposed with his lonely and reclusive inner self. By the end of the novel, Patrick embraces his love of the spotlight and desire to be with his family and finds the perfect acting job that lets him be closer to them.

The two most important people in Patrick’s life were Joe and Sara who both passed away before the opening of the novel. While...