A Thousand Boy Kisses

Poppy is one of the dual protagonists and narrators of the novel. Born and raised in Blossom Grove, Georgia, Poppy is the first American Rune meets when the Kristiansens move to Georgia. Early characterization of Poppy frames her as an optimistic, outgoing child, as she approaches Rune, withstands his surly responses to her questions, and befriends him. However, later characterization paints Poppy as an outcast, with Jorie and Rune as her only friends. After Rune’s family moves back to Oslo, Poppy notes, “I became the girl I always should have been—invisible to the popular crowd. The weird girl who wore bows in her hair and played the cello” (71). Despite Poppy’s upbeat and extroverted behavior with Rune, she is too “quirky” for the mainstream students at school. Various objects associated with Poppy lend additional clues to her personality, such as her bow and cello. Her bow represents Poppy’s individualism, as she notes that it is not a popular accessory. The cello shows her interest in art and music, as well as her dedication to her passions. Altogether, Poppy is bright, happy, and passionate, all of which she brings to her daily life and her romance with Rune.