Britt-Marie is the protagonist of the novel. Initially a passive(-aggressive), soft-spoken woman with unaddressed trauma from her sister’s death and self-esteem issues from her failing marriage, she copes with her constant unhappiness through cleaning. Her isolation from society leaves her out of touch with current events and social mores, but her insistence and determination push her to succeed regardless.

Throughout the novel, Britt-Marie struggles to become independent and self-actualized. Although she tried to find work during her marriage despite Kent’s discouragement, she abandoned all her opportunities. Leaving him after years of enduring his serial infidelity is her first step to self-assertion; however, she still has much to learn. Even after leaving him, she remains codependent on Kent, unable to buy groceries without him; later, she shifts this dependence onto both Somebody and the unemployment case worker, whom she calls upon at all hours for advice and help beyond their job descriptions. She also uses a rat as a companion and replacement for Kent when she first moves to Borg.

As she becomes more comfortable in her own skin, her social interactions reflect this change. She becomes attached to the soccer team she coaches and wants to help Bank and Somebody as they have assisted her.