Oscar, nicknamed Egghead for his baldness, is the protagonist. He is a 10-year-old cancer patient who lives at a hospital. Oscar is self-deprecating and realistic about his fate, and his direct way of talking about death occasionally catches adults off guard. His character serves as a way for readers to contemplate and hopefully accept the reality of death.

At the beginning of the story, Oscar feels abandoned by his parents, who live far away and only visit on Sundays. He misunderstands their fear and sadness and is angry at them for not being direct about his impending death. Granny Rose eventually guides him to gaining a better understanding of his parents’ perspective, and he realizes it is better to forgive them so they can live with happy memories after his death.

Oscar also begins the story uncertain about God’s existence. Despite his skepticism, he continues writing to God per Granny Rose’s suggestion and requests to meet him. By the end of the story, he is writing to God daily and leaving notes for God while he’s asleep. Through his developing faith, Oscar gains clarity about death. This helps him appreciate the time he has left, as he pursues a brief courtship with Peggy, another patient at the hospital, and takes time to consider the lessons each day has to offer.