Described as “a bit rodent-like” by Steph (81), Abby is the protagonist of the novel. She works as an artist and teacher at the local high school. Abby was left on the beach on her own as a child while Adam and Ken went sailing together. Her artwork incorporates many of the objects she finds on the beach. She “would build neighborhoods out of seaweed, driftwood, shells, and whatever flotsam and jetsam she came across” (21). Her alone time proves essential for her growth as an artist and her independence as an adult. It propels her to spurn David’s efforts to marry her, instead choosing to maintain an affair with him after he marries Rebecca.

Abby briefly experienced artistic success and fame years earlier. Now, she stands on the edge of success again. Her work is deeply personal. Her painting Little Monster narrates Ken’s abuse, which her father ignored. Abby stands in contrast to her brother. She opens up when she is interviewed by a reporter from Art Observer and is willing to appear vulnerable, unlike her brother. She lists Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein as one of her influences during her interview.