Second First Impressions

Theodore “Teddy” Prescott serves as the novel’s deuteragonist and primary love interest. He is a round and dynamic character who functions as the main catalyst for the protagonist’s development while undergoing a significant transformation of his own. Initially, Teddy is presented as a charming but seemingly irresponsible man-child, a useless, spoiled “rich kid” in Ruthie’s estimation. His eclectic tattoos act as a visual motif representing a life lived with spontaneity and a lack of fear about permanent decisions, placing him in immediate opposition to Ruthie’s carefully controlled existence. Beneath this carefree exterior, however, lies a complex individual shaped by a chaotic and emotionally unstable upbringing. His character embodies the theme of The Unreliability of First Impressions, as his initial presentation as a flighty troublemaker belies a deeper capacity for kindness, loyalty, and surprising responsibility.

Teddy’s personality is marked by a blend of confident charm and deep-seated insecurity. His father, Jerry, notes that he has a tendency to “dazzle people” (108), a skill Teddy has honed to navigate the world and a defense mechanism to mask his vulnerabilities. This charm allows him to succeed where many others have failed, particularly in winning over the notoriously difficult Parloni sisters. However, this outward confidence conceals a craving for the stability his childhood lacked. He is drawn to the orderly world of Providence and to Ruthie’s routines, admitting to her that he has “never had a place where the same thing happens every day” (158). His primary motivation is to establish his own permanent place in the world by buying into his friend’s tattoo studio, a goal that requires the discipline and focus he has struggled to maintain. This desire for stability connects to the theme of Redefining Home and Family Through Connection, as Teddy finds a sense of belonging and purpose within the found family at Providence that his own fractured biological family could not provide.

Teddy’s journey is one of maturation, moving from a person who takes what is offered to one who actively gives back. His employment with the Parlonis, which begins as a temporary arrangement orchestrated by his father, forces him into a role of service and accountability. His relationship with Ruthie is the central force for this change; she is the first person to offer him unwavering belief in his potential, which in turn inspires him to become worthy of that faith. He demonstrates his growth through his genuine care for the residents, his protection of an injured tortoise, and his ultimate willingness to sacrifice his dream studio to save Providence. This selfless act, symbolized by the cutting of his long hair, marks his transition into a responsible adult capable of genuine commitment. His transformation is crystallized in his confession to Ruthie, “I prayed for peace, quiet, certainty. And it’s you. I’m in love with you” (288), revealing that his search for a home was ultimately a search for her.

Renata and Agatha “Aggie” Parloni are a pair of round, static characters who function as a single, complex unit. As elderly residents of Providence, they serve as chaotic mentors and catalysts for the plot. Renata, a ninety-one-year-old former fashion editor, is imperious, sharp-tongued, and delights in tormenting a series of young male assistants with bizarre challenges. Her 90-year-old partner, Aggie, is the quieter and more pragmatic of the two, providing a grounding, reasonable counterpoint to Renata’s flamboyant antics. Their dynamic is one of codependence and deep, abiding affection, which is eventually revealed to be a lifelong romantic partnership rather than a sisterly bond.

The Parlonis’ eccentric behavior, particularly their “hobby” of hiring and firing assistants, creates the job opening that brings Teddy into the narrative. Their series of demeaning tasks, from burying a shirt to creating a cake from sparse ingredients, serves as an unconventional test of character that Teddy, unlike his predecessors, manages to pass through a combination of charm, wit, and resilience. In their own way, they push Teddy toward a sense of responsibility and provide an environment where his relationship with Ruthie can develop. Their hidden relationship is an embodiment of the theme Redefining Home and Family Through Connection, as they have created their own private, self-sufficient family unit that exists entirely outside of conventional norms. Renata’s assertion that “Life is only bearable if you have someone attractive to complain to” speaks to the core of their bond (141), which is built on decades of mutual support and a shared private history.

Melanie Sasaki is a round, static character who acts as a key catalyst and a foil to the protagonist, Ruthie. At 22, Melanie is a confident, energetic, and modern young woman who embodies the opposite of Ruthie’s timid and tradition-bound existence. As a career temp who is “dating all the jobs” (4), she embraces change and new experiences, providing a stark contrast to Ruthie’s fearful stagnation. Melanie is the architect of “the Melanie Sasaki Method” (9), a dating program she invents specifically to push Ruthie out of her comfort zone. The Method provides a structured, goal-oriented framework that appeals to Ruthie’s love of lists but is designed to force her to take social risks.

Melanie’s primary role in the narrative is to provide the initial momentum for Ruthie’s transformation. She is outspoken and fiercely loyal, acting as a friend and cheerleader who sees Ruthie’s potential long before Ruthie can see it herself. Her direct and sometimes blunt approach breaks through Ruthie’s defenses, forcing her to confront the limitations of her self-imposed sheltered life. While she does not undergo significant change herself, her presence is crucial for initiating Ruthie’s character arc, making her an indispensable force for positive change in the story.