Maddy’s mother plays a pivotal role in Maddy’s life, representing the impossible expectation of normalcy and the fear of failure. Her expectations of Maddy are based in a desire for stability, normalcy, and traditional success. Throughout the novel, Maddy’s mother is depicted as highly concerned with the appearance of a “normal” life that follows the typical trajectory of education, career, marriage, and children. Her insistence on Maddy fitting into this mold stems from her own anxieties and fears about what Maddy’s bipolar disorder could mean for her future. This mindset fuels a strained relationship between mother and daughter, with Maddy feeling unsupported and misunderstood.

Despite her good intentions, Maddy’s mother’s inability to accept Maddy’s bipolar disorder creates tension in their relationship. She frequently tries to shield Maddy from the truth, hiding her diagnosis from the rest of the family and urging Maddy to ignore her mental health struggles. She worries that Maddy’s pursuit of a career in comedy, a high-risk and unpredictable field, will lead to another manic episode and a further deterioration of her well-being. Maddy’s mother tries to exert control over her life, from discouraging her comedy career to removing her bathroom door. While her actions come from a place of love, they also demean and dehumanize Maddy, who just wants to live with the autonomy and respect granted to any other adult.

As Maddy learns to assert her own identity and pursue her dreams, her mother eventually starts to recognize that Maddy’s path is her own to choose. There is a shift in their relationship as Maddy finds success in comedy despite her mother’s reservations. By the end of the novel, Maddy’s mother attends her comedy shows and cheers her on. The relationship between Maddy and her mother represents the challenge of navigating family dynamics while also learning to set boundaries and assert personal autonomy.

Emily is Maddy’s sister and represents both a source of support and a point of tension in Maddy’s life as Maddy confronts the impossible expectation of normalcy. While Emily is usually loving and understanding, she also has her own life and responsibilities, which sometimes cause her to be impatient with Maddy’s symptoms. Early in the story, Emily is busy with her own impending wedding and distances herself from the chaos that Maddy’s bipolar disorder causes, but as the novel progresses, Emily becomes more aware of the extent to which Maddy’s condition affects her. This becomes particularly true when Maddy goes to Emily’s bachelorette party, drinks, and then leaves the party unannounced to fly to Houston and meet Taylor Swift. Emily’s forgiveness after Maddy’s manic episode at the bachelorette party is a key moment, as it shows her unconditional love and empathy for Maddy’s situation and emphasizes the theme of the importance of support in managing mental health.

Emily also represents the more conventional side of the family and the “normal” life that everyone expects for Maddy, but which she neither wants nor believes she can have. Emily can understand Maddy’s condition but still expects her to behave in a way she views as “normal.” Her intentions are good when she encourages Maddy to find a middle ground between her manic and depressive states, hoping that she can lead a life that feels more stable and less unpredictable. While Emily’s love for her sister is never in doubt, her role in the story reflects the tension between supporting Maddy’s mental health journey and expecting her to conform to certain standards of behavior and achievement.

Simone is a secondary character who serves as a friend and support system for Maddy during a crucial part of her journey. She offers Maddy a different perspective on life and mental health, providing both emotional support and a safe space for Maddy to express her feelings. Simone’s role is important because she represents a friendship based on mutual understanding and respect. Simone encourages Maddy to pursue her dream, and her “WORTHY” tattoo inspires Maddy to later get one of her own. Maddy admires Simone for the way that she sees herself as deserving of what life has to offer. She encourages Maddy to take the steps necessary to live a fulfilling life, even when that life doesn’t fit into the traditional molds that others expect, emphasizing the theme of the impossible expectation of normalcy.

Dr. Weaver plays a crucial role in Maddy’s mental health journey, acting as a guiding figure, a source of support, and the person who helps Maddy find the medication that works for her. Maddy found it difficult to relate to male doctors, so Dr. Weaver’s female presence works well for Maddy. Within the narrative, Dr. Weaver represents the role that health care professionals can play in the importance of support in managing mental health. Throughout the novel, Dr. Weaver offers Maddy practical advice and support, helping her navigate the complexities of her medication and treatment. Her recommendation to adjust Maddy’s medication to better manage her bipolar disorder is an important turning point in the narrative, as it marks the beginning of Maddy’s acceptance of her condition and the return to a life she finds fulfilling.