Who Are The Main Characters In PopCo?

Alice Butler is the heart of 'PopCo,' and honestly, she’s the kind of character I wish I could be friends with. She’s smart without being showy, and her journey from corporate cog to uncovering a massive conspiracy is so satisfying. The supporting cast is just as memorable—her grandfather, with his spy stories, feels like someone straight out of a John le Carré novel, but with more warmth. Then there’s the PopCo crew: the sly marketing folks, the competitive toy designers, and the mysterious 'clients' who might not be what they seem. The book’s strength is how it balances Alice’s personal growth with this larger mystery, and the characters all feel like pieces of a bigger puzzle.

I love how Thomas writes dialogue—everyone talks like they’re hiding something, which fits the theme perfectly. Even the villains (if you can call them that) are nuanced, not just mustache-twirlers. And Alice’s flashbacks to her childhood, especially her relationship with her grandmother, add this emotional depth that caught me off guard. It’s rare to find a book where the characters’ intellectual pursuits (like codebreaking) feel as gripping as their personal arcs, but 'PopCo' nails it.

Alice Butler’s the main character in 'PopCo,' and she’s such a refreshing protagonist—a math-loving, socially awkward woman who’s way sharper than anyone gives her credit for. Her grandfather’s this shadowy figure from the espionage world, and their dynamic is one of the book’s highlights. The PopCo employees, especially Ben and the corporate higher-ups, are sketched with just enough detail to feel real but still mysterious. The book’s got this undercurrent of paranoia, like everyone’s playing a game, and Alice’s journey to decode it all is utterly compelling. Plus, the way her past ties into the present is masterfully done—it’s a character-driven puzzle that’s hard to put down.

'PopCo' by Scarlett Thomas is this quirky, cerebral novel that feels like a puzzle box itself—and the characters are just as fascinating. The protagonist, Alice Butler, is a brilliant codebreaker working for the toy company PopCo. She’s got this dry wit and a knack for seeing patterns everywhere, which makes her perspective so engaging. Then there’s her grandfather, a former spy who’s basically the coolest mentor figure, dropping cryptic wisdom about codes and conspiracies. The book also introduces a cast of eccentric coworkers at PopCo, like the enigmatic Ben, who’s got his own secrets, and the oddly sinister executives who might be up to something shady. The way Alice unravels not just codes but her own family history is what really hooked me—it’s like a mystery wrapped in a coming-of-age story.

What’s cool is how Alice’s voice feels so real—she’s introspective but never pretentious, and her fascination with math and cryptography is contagious. The side characters, like her late grandmother (who’s almost a ghostly presence in the narrative), add layers to the story. Even the minor players, like the kids at the retreat where Alice ends up, have this offbeat charm. It’s one of those books where the characters don’t just drive the plot; they make you feel like you’re part of their weird, wonderful world.