Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of death, racism, and antigay bias. 

Diamond is the protagonist of the novel, and most of the narrative focuses on two pivotal years in her life: 1980 and 1987, the years when her Pop disappeared and when he was declared officially dead, respectively. The daughter of a Black man and a white woman, Diamond is isolated from the rest of the town. She has few connections beyond her Pop, Ma, and maternal grandmother, Sylvia, and initially has no connection with her Black relatives. She describes herself as smart and talented at school, but her classmates, like others in Swift River, often make racist comments about Diamond or Pop, preventing her from forming real friendships. Diamond’s weight also makes it challenging for her to ride her bike or walk long distances—a necessity given her and Ma’s poverty and the fact that Ma gave up driving after Pop’s disappearance. 

Despite these challenges, Diamond is committed to securing a better future for herself: She shows determination by saving money for a driver’s education course and keeping the lessons a secret from her mother, who would be hurt by the idea that Diamond would want to leave.