Mia Thermopolis

The gist of the novel centers on the protagonist's attempts to reconcile the two seemingly irreconcilable aspects of her character. Is she plain old Mia Thermopolis from Albert Einstein High, or is she Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo, Princess of Genovia? Mia, when first introduced, is a social activist tomboy who loves Greenpeace, combat boots and the vegetarian lifestyle. Mia and her best friend Lilly make fun of the shallow socialites at their high school who seem to care only about making sure their lipstick matches their nail polish. Secretly, though, Mia longs to allow herself such feminine luxuries. In fact, Mia's self criticisms all center on her appearance. She wishes she looked like popular Lana Weinberger, but she is afraid to cross her best friend Lilly, who embraces her homely appearance like a badge of honor.

When Mia first learns that she is really a princess...