As the novel’s protagonist, Diana Scalzi is a dynamic character who changes drastically throughout her life. At age 15, she is a vibrant, ambitious teenager who is exploring her newfound sexuality and dreaming of a successful career and a happy marriage in the future. Hopeful but naïve, she is taken advantage of by the considerably older Henry “Hal” Shoemaker, whom she knows only as “Poe.” He deceives her into believing that he cares about her before raping her at a summer party. Completely broken by this event, Diana becomes a shadow of her former self, finding herself disgusting and unworthy, disconnecting from her loving and supportive family, and losing all motivation for academics and all excitement for the future. Keeping her rape an unspoken secret from everyone, Diana believes that she will never have sex or love again.

An unexpected return to Cape Cod, the scene of her assault, allows Diana to begin to heal in a warm and welcoming community. Eventually, through the love and patient support of Michael Carmody, she slowly grows to trust again and later marries Michael. Diana dedicates herself to a new routine and creative healing practices such as decorating empty oyster shells and developing a career as a painter.