Theo Flowerday is one of the novel’s two protagonists and narrators. She has a tall build, “orange-blond” hair (178), a “wide mouth” (18), and a “slightly oversized nose” (18). As Theo embraces her nonbinary identity and lets go of feminine beauty standards, she learns to love her strong, androgynous features. McQuiston characterizes Theo as a determined, skillful, and hardworking individual as demonstrated by the freelance business she builds on her own and her refusal to rely on her family’s reputation or wealth. However, as those closest to Theo point out, her misconception that she must succeed on her own sometimes leads her to “get in [her] own way” (181) with risk-averse and self-sabotaging behaviors. Over the course of the culinary tour, the round, dynamic character learns to be less cautious and to place more trust in herself. Theo struggles with insecurities but eventually emerges as a confident and daring protagonist.

Theo’s character arc makes key contributions to the romantic comedy’s plot, themes, and genre. The decisions that Theo makes in The Pursuit of Pleasure, such as embarking on a decadent culinary tour and agreeing to the hookup competition, drive much of the action.