Edward Bloom

Edward Bloom is the novel’s protagonist. He was born in the small town of Ashland, Alabama, likely around the year 1920, although the exact year is not stated. Edward is fond of jokes and storytelling, and he never seems to give a strictly factual account of his own life. Instead, he tells stories about his life that are often either exaggerated or wholly fabricated. These anecdotes often have mythical qualities in their contents and depiction. From early in his life, Edward longed to be a great man and to travel the world. He left Ashland at the age of 17, attended Auburn University, and married fellow student Sandra Templeton. Edward eventually became successful when operating his own import/export business.

As a husband and father, Edward was often absent, as he spent much time traveling the world on business trips. At one point, dysfunction between Edward and Sandra...