Who Is The Main Character In Poor Deer?

The main character in Claire Oshetsky's 'Poor Deer' is Margaret Murphy, a young girl grappling with guilt and grief after a tragic accident involving her best friend, Agnes. The novel unfolds through Margaret's perspective, blending reality with her vivid, sometimes unsettling imagination as she tries to make sense of loss. What struck me about Margaret is how raw and relatable her emotions feel—her struggle isn't just about the event itself but the way childhood innocence collides with harsh consequences. The 'Poor Deer' of the title becomes this haunting, almost mythical figure in her mind, symbolizing both punishment and absolution.

Margaret's voice is so distinct that it lingers long after the last page. Oshetsky crafts her with this delicate balance of fragility and stubbornness, like a kid who's simultaneously terrified and determined to face the monster under the bed. The way Margaret interacts with the adults around her—especially her mother, who's wrapped in her own grief—adds layers to her isolation. It's one of those stories where the protagonist's inner world feels bigger than the plot, and that's what makes her unforgettable. I kept thinking about how kids process guilt in ways adults often miss, and Margaret embodies that perfectly.

'Poor Deer' centers on Margaret, whose childhood is shattered by a single moment of negligence. Her journey isn't linear; it's messy, poetic, and deeply human. I love how the book doesn't simplify her trauma—she's not just 'the grieving girl' but a whole person, equal parts brave and broken. The way she personifies her guilt as the 'Poor Deer' is heartbreakingly creative, like something out of a dark fairy tale. It's rare to find a character who feels so real in their contradictions.