Rowan Roth, the story’s protagonist, is a Mexican Jewish girl living in Seattle, Washington. Rowan is finishing her senior year of high school, where she has spent four years heavily involved in her school community. A high achiever, Rowan has an impressive resume: She is copresident of her school’s student council, a straight-A student, and the recipient of many academic accolades. The novel’s thematic interrogation of The Pressure to Live Up to Others’ Expectations is grounded in her characterization and story arc. Since her freshman year, Rowan has competed head-to-head with her classmate Neil McNair, another decorated student and active community member. Her resolve to beat Neil at every opportunity drives her to work harder and to push herself to be the best in all aspects of academics and extracurriculars. When her high school career comes to a close, Rowan is determined to beat Neil for the spot of valedictorian, a victory she has been dreaming of for years. When she is beaten by Neil and named salutatorian instead, Rowan is disappointed, defeated, and feels like a failure.

Determined to finish high school on her own terms, Rowan sees Howl—an elaborate scavenger hunt and senior tradition—as her final opportunity to beat Neil.