Content Warning: The Character Analyses mention miscarriage and suicide.

Rose Wallace is the protagonist and narrator of This One Summer and the character who experiences the most drastic transformation. She is 12 years old when the summer begins and her family starts their annual stay at Awago Beach. She spends the summer with her family and summertime friend, Windy, and her character arc centers on The Emergence of Adolescence and Accompanying Loss of Innocence as she observes the adults around her and how they cope with the problems that come with adulthood.

Despite being outspoken and opinionated, Rose is still dependent on her parents and affected by their conflict—especially Alice’s emotional neglect (as she deals with her trauma). Rose is most attached to her father Evan, whom she views as a source of stability, comfort, and light in a world that has become dark. She frequently recalls the doting woman Alice used to be and times when her family was happier. When Rose gets upset, she often shuts down like Alice does and uses the lake as a means to quell her nerves and release her emotions. As the summer progresses and the conflict between Rose’s parents worsens, she becomes listless and unable to enjoy herself.