Who in your opinion makes the most significant journey? Is there more than one way to identify "the main character"? To whom does this story ultimately belong?

The novel contains a large cast of major and minor characters. Who in your opinion makes the most significant journey? Is there more than one way to identify "the main character"? To whom does this story ultimately belong?

That is a difficult question. My first thought is Quinn as he finally moves from his dream of being a star to the reality of contributing to the music world in a different way. But finding that reality is because he comes to terms with his feelings toward his son and learns to love and accept the special person the boy was. That was a major journey! I also think of Ona as she is given a purpose to live and something to strive for. However, we also see that the boy was making a significant journey before his death. He finally had a true friend (Ona) who accepted him and became part of his plans. That relationship touched both of them.

I think it is Quinn. In terms of a journey he was the one that moved from one set of ideas about who he was, who he wanted to be and how he thought about all the other main characters. In the end, completely changed who he is, how he behaves and how he feels about and loves all the other characters.

I also think it was Quinn. He seemed so very guarded at the beginning, unwilling to share much. As the book progresses he gave up more of himself, we saw more of who he was, he opened up.

I think Belle makes the most significant journey. She was shattered by her son's death but after the events of the novel seems able to begin to connect to her new stepchildren and forgive Quinn for his faults. I think without meeting Ona, Belle would have been stuck in the misery of missing her child and the guilt of feeling responsible for his death.

Quinn accomplished the most personal growth and change, but this is truly Ona's story.

All the characters have significant journeys. But this is truly the Boy's story, for without him not one of characters would have embarked on a journey. He is the instrument of change.

I think it was Quinn who made the most significan journey - he realized too late that he had neglected his son, that he had been embarrassed by him instead if relishing his uniqueness, that he had never understood him or even really tried to. Plus he hadn't been a good husband, he had wanted so badly to be a great muscian instead of wanting to be a great husband and father. But he realized that his chance with Belle was over and he needed to let her go so she could hopefully start a new life with Ted.

I agree with MarieA that the story belongs to the boy. All the main characters are connected through him. Quinn, Ona & Belle all make significant journeys. Quinn comes to love his son and learns to care about Ona. He also realizes he may have to take a different position in a band to have the success he wants. Ona learns you can have true friendships at any age. She also finds purpose and meaning in her life in trying to achieve a Guiness Book World Record. Belle learns to forgive Quinn and is working through her grief. She is able to marry a man who fits her dreams of a family and knows eventually his children will be hers.
All three of them are main characters, although Quinn & Ona have a larger role in the story.

I also agree with MarieA. This is ultimately the boy's story. However, it is Quinn's, Belle's and Ona's story as well and each has the spotlight at different stages in the novel. What a great concept that the main character is fluid and changing, literally and figuratively.

Hmmm, I think ultimately it is the boy's story but Quinn and Ona are the ones who benefited the most with life changing journeys. I still think Belle's marriage to Ted is a mistake. She found shelter with him from her life of grief and depression, not love.