Content Warning: This section contains a discussion of teen alcohol abuse and alcohol poisoning.

Cath is the eponymous Fangirl of the novel’s title. She is 18 years old, with long brown hair and glasses. As opposed to her twin sister, Wren, who is more outgoing, Cath sees herself as “the Pathetic One Who Always Cries” (6). At the beginning of the novel, she feels betrayed by Wren’s desire to have different dorm rooms, which symbolizes Wren’s desire to develop their identities. The twins were abandoned by their mother, a person they trusted completely, when they were eight years old. As a result, Cath developed an anxiety disorder, which makes it difficult for her to enter new situations. In high school, Cath managed her anxiety by clinging to her sister and turning to fanfiction and fandom to escape from the trauma of her real life and provide a supportive community.

When Cath goes to college, however, her anxiety creates barriers to both Coming of Age and Exploring Identity and Navigating Romantic Relationships. Cath is initially unable to connect with anyone or even enter common areas. Cath admits to her roommate that she never looked for the dining hall because she developed a “block” about going there.