The Impossible Knife of Memory

Andy Kincain is Hayley’s father. A veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he is haunted by his experiences. He also lost his wife, Rebecca, when Hayley was a baby. He has frequent nightmares, cannot hold a job, and struggles with substance abuse. He dresses shabbily and does not take care of himself or his house. It is implied that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Since leaving the army, Andy has not acted like a responsible father. First, he brought Hayley around the country in his truck, where she lacked stability and normal schooling. Then, after moving back home, he mostly sleeps and abuses substances, neglecting to bring in an income or care for his daughter. His behavior worsens throughout the novel as he falls deeper into addiction and depression and displays physical aggression toward Hayley.

Despite this, Andy does love Hayley, whom he calls “princess,” and he shows flashes of paternal behavior. The six chapters from his perspective show that he is consumed by his memories, so he is largely unable to follow through on his promises to Hayley that he will improve. By the end of the novel, he is making steps to improve his mental and physical health.

Finnegan Ramos—or “Finnegan Trouble Ramos” (35), as he introduces himself—is an intelligent and quirky teenage boy. He is attractive to the girls at his school and has a good body from being a swimmer. Although he is fairly popular, he is independent. He enjoys spending time at the library and tries to establish a school newspaper. He has strong academic goals, including attending the elite Swevenbury College.

Finn is intrigued by Hayley and undeterred by her attempts to push him away. He in witty, charming, and respectful toward her, and he acts as a source of comfort and safety. He is Hayley’s first boyfriend. He does not force Hayley to explain her family situation to him because he has his own family problems; his family is struggling financially and emotionally from his sister’s drug addiction.

Gracie is a high school student and Hayley’s neighbor. She was Hayley’s childhood friend, and now that Hayley is back in town, she is Hayley’s best friend. Gracie is outgoing and thoughtful, shown when she brings food to Hayley’s house after Hayley moves back. Hayley describes her as “freakishly kind and non-zombified” (9). She is a good friend to Hayley throughout the novel.

Gracie can be dramatic and emotional. She often fights with her boyfriend, Topher, accusing him of cheating. However, this stems from her problems at home, where her parents are separating because of her father’s cheating. Consequently, she has a cynical view of relationships and families.