Hannah Rooney is one of two protagonists and narrators in the story. She is a complex and resilient character whose strength lies in both her selflessness and her ability to endure pain while protecting those she loves. In this, Hannah strives to be the opposite of her criminal family, demonstrating the theme of Inheritance and the Choice to Be Different. Throughout the story, Hannah balances caution with courage, demonstrating both agency and a willingness to confront danger for the sake of others, particularly Toby. She is simultaneously tender and self-protective and acts as both an emotional and moral anchor in the story.

At first, Hannah is careful to hide her emotions and mask her true self. However, despite her efforts to remain distant from others, she forms a profound connection with Toby. Her interactions with him reveal her growing vulnerability, particularly when they walk to the lighthouse in the moonlight. There, Toby tells her that she is an “expert at hiding. Behind [her] hair. Behind that expression that [she] keep[s] oh-so-carefully blank. Behind the lies.” (106). As Toby’s challenge demonstrates, being with Toby inspires Hannah to take risks and to feel. Reflecting on her dream of Kaylie, Hannah realizes: “I needed to dance.