The lonely, vivacious, and helpful Lenni Pettersson is one of the novel’s protagonists. When Margot sees the 17-year-old in the Rose Room for the first time, she notes that Lenni has “a confidence beyond her years,” “that bright blond hair of Nordic children,” and “a face full of mischief” (319). The lively Lenni has a reputation for causing trouble and frequently wanders around the hospital without permission. Lenni has a deep, innate desire to help people. When she sees a patient rummaging through the recycling bin, she immediately becomes the woman’s accomplice and distracts the head nurse even though she doesn’t know Margot at the time. In addition, Lenni is far more interested in making sure Father Arthur’s final service at the hospital is well attended than in gaining anything for herself. Sometimes Lenni’s efforts to spare others from pain cause her loneliness. After Lenni’s father tells her, “I can’t sit here and watch you die” (216), she makes him promise to stop visiting her until she’s near death. Consequently, she spends much of her stay in Princess Royal without any visits from friends or family.

Over the course of the novel, the dynamic protagonist goes from lonely to loved and overcomes her fear of death.