Chani Horowitz is the protagonist and first-person narrator of Funny You Should Ask. She is tall, brunette, and describes herself as “a lanky, loudmouthed Jew” (75). In the early storyline of the novel, she is 26 and trying to establish her career as a writer. She grew up in Los Angeles with two parents and two siblings, attended Sarah Lawrence College for her undergraduate degree, got an MFA from the University of Iowa, and then moved back to LA with her boyfriend, Jeremy, to look for work. When the older Chani looks back on her younger self, she is “amazed at the boldness with which she approached the world” and “her unfounded confidence” (91).

Younger Chani is indeed confident about stating her opinions, especially on movies and directors. She is forthright in some ways but also a bit insecure. Over the 10 years covered by the novel, Chani relies on anger as an emotional shield when she is hurt or frightened. She uses humor to deflect and becomes used to telling interviewers that she only wishes she slept with Gabe Parker when they inevitably ask. She wants to be known and appreciated for her writing talent, not for her sexual exploits.