Ann Fay

Ann Fay is the protagonist of the novel, and she is by far the most dynamic character. At the outset of the novel, she is a determined 13-year-old set on helping her father with his chores rather than learning to do women’s work from her mother. She is proud when her father gives her overalls when he leaves for the war and expects her to be the man of the house. The fact that she wears the label, 'man of the house', proudly despite being a girl demonstrates that she does not believe roles need to be dedicated by gender.

While she is filled with wonder and innocence at the beginning of the novel, enjoying playing with her friend Peggy Sue and playing make believe in their Wisteria Mansion, her promise to her father to be the man of the house takes over almost all of...