How I Live Now: Character Analysis

"By saving Piper I saved myself, and all the things that might have killed us were also the things that saved us." Protagonist of "How I Live Now" Daisy struggled throughout the book with an unhealthy self esteem, warped sense of beauty and complete denial of her personal self being of any value. Through the strong bonds she developed with her cousins, she was slowly able to break through her twisted mindset and move forward to a more positive outlook. In particular, Piper was the predominate catalyst for this mind set shift, but the hard work of her cousins also played a huge role in her life. Daisy would never have changed her toxic mindset if it weren't for the influences her cousins had on her.

The first step for Daisy to come to terms

As Daisy was initially unused to concern being directed at her, she took up a hostile façade against Piper, but quickly grew used to her mannerisms. Ecstatic about the presence of another woman in the house closer to her age, Piper became very attached to her, much like a younger sister would be to her elder sibling. She slowly was able to break down the walls Daisy had put up, supporting her cousin throughout her controversial relationship because she cared so much for her. Slowly, Piper was able to confide in Daisy as well. She claimed she had "always wanted a sister" and that she wanted "her to be like [Daisy]." Initially, Daisy was taken back by the idea as she had "no more experience with brothers and sisters as [she did] with boyfriends and relationships" and had never actually "wanted a younger sibling." However, she truly does love her cousin and doesn't hesitate to tell her that she "practically [was] her sister." Daisy quickly became "Piper's guardian" and was willing to do just about anything in order to protect her. This sudden maternal front she had taken up is not only evidence of the deep bond the two girls share, but the affect that such a positive relationship can have on others. Daisy had "never imagined" how much she "could come to love someone like Piper," especially because she spent most of her life "desperately NOT wanting a sister," but

However, his influences were both negative and positive. Unknowingly, Edmond had the power to drastically shift her mind set, much more so than Piper because of the different type of relationship he shared with Daisy. Daisy was infatuated with Edmond, so his comments meant everything to her, especially because of the fact that she interprets his opinion in more of a "relationship" sense, rather than a comment that a family member would make. When a family member comments on ones appearance, usually out of care, it's a lot easier to brush it off, whereas if a significant other mentions something, a person is more likely to take it to heart. This is especially evident with Daisy, after Edmond commented on her weight, saying she "looked better." Although it was a positive remark, Daisy at this point was still struggling with her eating disorder, and a comment like that sent her into panic mode. She thought that "by that, he meant [she] looked fat," making her consequently fall back into her own habits as she "cut back after that." Whereas when someone else had commented on her body, she simply brushed it off, but in this case she took it all in. Even towards the end of the book where she is reunited with him, seeing someone she loves and cares so deeply about sit, traumatised and unresponsive would have been heartbreaking for her. She had promised to find him, to