Violet’s Dad Character Analysis in All the Bright Places

Violet’s dad is a teacher; he’s often in the living room wearing headphones and grading papers alongside his wife, Violet’s mom. Violet describes both of her parents as perfect, in part because it seems like her parents have either moved on from her sister Eleanor’s death or are hiding their grief. Violet’s dad has a habit of taking over school projects, and he also loves telling people the history of things, like specific dishes or the NYU campus. He desperately wants Violet to be able to move past Eleanor’s death and live her life more fully, so like his wife, he’s initially charmed by Finch’s ability to revive Violet’s interest in things she used to love. However, he’s extremely angry at Finch when Finch and Violet accidently spend the night together and don’t check in with Violet’s parents. He forbids Violet from seeing Finch after this—but when Violet does admit that she’s been seeing Finch and that he’s in trouble and needs help, Violet’s dad is more than willing to help track down a friend who’s a psychiatrist. Both of Violet’s parents blame Finch’s mom for Finch’s death; they believe that she neglected him and is at fault for not being concerned when he disappeared in the first place. Violet knows that this is because if she were the one to go missing, her parents would look for her right away.

Violet’s Dad Character Timeline in All the Bright Places

The timeline below shows where the character Violet’s Dad appears in All the Bright Places. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Violet’s mom and Violet’s dad are on the sofa when Violet gets home. They comment that she’s home early, and... (full context)

Violet’s dad makes chicken piccata that night. Violet joins her dad and Violet’s mom at the table... (full context)

...Violet didn’t tell them. Violet insists people are making a big deal out of it. Violet’s dad wants to know who the boy is that she saved. He and Violet’s mom exchange... (full context)

...she didn’t show up to school, Violet is now sitting across from Violet’s mom and Violet’s dad . She explains that she was across the street from the school with Finch, the... (full context)

When Violet comes downstairs in the morning, Finch is eating breakfast with Violet’s dad . He tells Violet she looks better without the glasses and then explains that he... (full context)

...like the protagonist, he’s trying to live as if he only has two days left. Violet’s dad launches into an explanation of Hindu theology, and as he quotes an ancient Vedic hymn,... (full context)

Community, Support, and Trust Theme Icon

...in tears. Finch speeds to Violet’s house, and they both jump out in the driveway. Violet’s dad comes outside and tells Finch to go home. Violet and her mom have to shove... (full context)

Once Violet and her parents have calmed down, Violet’s dad says that Finch is trouble: he’s had anger issues since he was a kid. Violet... (full context)

...move to let him in. Finch asks to come in and speak to them as Violet’s dad appears in the door and tells Finch to leave. At home a bit later, Finch... (full context)

Violet, Violet’s mom, and Violet’s dad are on the NYU campus. Though Violet’s parents are discussing how Violet can transfer to... (full context)

...dad suggests that Finch bring Violet over sometime. Finch imagines the conversation his dad and Violet’s dad had; he imagines his dad saying that Finch is a “major-disappointment-weirdo-fuckup.” Finch counts as fast... (full context)

...car and looks back. Her mom is crying. She explains that she’s just happy—she and Violet’s dad weren’t sure Violet would ever drive again. Violet hugs her mom and then pulls out... (full context)

When Violet gets home, Violet’s mom and Violet’s dad are watching TV. Though Violet feels terrible, she tells them that she met Finch when... (full context)

...mom spends the day trying to get ahold of Finch’s mom. A psychiatrist friend of Violet’s dad speaks to Decca, but Decca only confirms for him that Finch isn’t in his room... (full context)

...can answer, Finch’s mom pulls Violet into a hug. Finch’s dad hugs Violet next, until Violet’s dad pulls her away. Over dinner, Violet listens to her parents talk about Finch’s parents. Violet... (full context)

...book to her mom at dinner, and Violet’s mom spends all of dinner reading it. Violet’s dad tries to talk to Violet about college, but she excuses herself. Violet is suddenly happy... (full context)

...mom, in tears, pulls Violet into a hug and tells Violet it wasn’t her fault. Violet’s dad cries too, and the three huddle together, sobbing. (full context)