Content Warning: This guide section references medical conditions and surgery, the loss of a parent, and mental health conditions.

Sadie Montgomery is the protagonist and first-person narrator of the story. Sadie is a talented portrait artist whose career and sense of self are intricately tied to her ability to interpret faces and capture human expressions through her art. However, her life takes a sudden turn when she undergoes brain surgery and develops prosopagnosia, a condition that leaves her unable to recognize faces. This loss challenges her identity both as an artist and as a person, instigating an emotional transformation. Throughout the novel, Sadie struggles with feelings of inadequacy and a fear of being perceived as broken. Yet, her journey ultimately leads to self-acceptance as she learns to embrace her flaws and adapt to her new reality. Center uses her experience with prosopagnosia as a literal and metaphorical lens for exploring how humans see others and themselves, emphasizing that genuine connection and understanding go beyond mere appearances.

Sadie faces overwhelming challenges as she navigates the physical and emotional implications of her condition and must learn to redefine herself beyond the abilities that once defined her.