Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, ableism, and death.

Delrita, the central protagonist, is a 13-year-old eighth grader who recently moved to Tangle Nook, Missouri, from a farm in the countryside. Delrita is very reserved at school, doesn’t have many friends, and often feels “invisible.” She loves woodcarving, and her goal is to be able to carve a swan with outstretched wings. Delrita often turns to woodcarving when she’s upset, as it makes her feel like she has control over something in her life. Every swan Delrita attempts to carve ends up snapping at the neck, the most delicate part, so Delrita is hesitant to attempt a swan with outstretched wings.

Although Delrita’s parents hope that starting at a new school will help improve her social life, for her, things are exactly the same after the move. She doesn’t like to socialize with people outside the family because she is afraid that they will find out about her Uncle Punky, who has Down syndrome. One of Delrita’s main internal conflicts is that she is ashamed of Punky because sometimes people react to his unusual behavior and appearance, but she feels intensely guilty about this shame because she loves Punky.