The Poppy Fields

Ava is one of the novel’s protagonists. She is a complex, round character who experiences meaningful emotional growth throughout the course of the novel. An artist and illustrator, she is gifted in various art forms. Art is personal to her, and she often draws scenes from her own life. It is also a way to build and maintain connections: She sent hand-drawn cards to her sister after they lost touch as a way to communicate the enduring nature of her love and demonstrate her dedication to their relationship. However, for Ava, art is also therapy. She has had anxiety since childhood and often becomes anxious in everyday situations. Her grandmother encouraged her to try drawing as a way to distract herself when she “battled a particularly strong bout of anxiety” (4). Ava found that she had a knack for drawing, and it became both her life’s greatest passion and her career.

Ava is also characterized by her kindness and empathy. She does her best to treat everyone around her well and volunteers at her local library, reading to children. She is closely bonded with her dog, PJ, and is an excellent caretaker. She also values her family relationships, although they are fractured.