Muriel Strauss Character Analysis in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Muriel Strauss is Henry’s younger sister. She’s an art critic and, like David, is highly successful in her field. She’s also exuberant and confident—in other words, the total opposite of Henry. Muriel loves Henry but doesn’t understand why he’s so forlorn, insecure, and confused about what he wants out of life. She frequently offers him small pink pills, which she calls her “little pink umbrellas,” which are (presumably) some kind of prescription drug that she uses recreationally. Henry usually declines her offer, though. Once Henry’s deal with Luc causes Muriel to see Henry through enchanted, unseeing eyes, she, like the rest of her family, suddenly thinks the world of Henry. Henry initially appreciates Muriel’s new affection for him, but it saddens him once he realizes that it’s not voluntary or real.

Muriel Strauss Character Timeline in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

The timeline below shows where the character Muriel Strauss appears in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...head is still pounding from last night’s party as he rushes to meet his sister, Muriel, for coffee. Henry steps inside the cafe and scans the room. Muriel isn’t here yet.... (full context)

Muriel arrives. She’s 24 and has been fully absorbed within New York’s art scene since her... (full context)

...a step outside. He’s too drunk. He fishes around in his pocket for the pills Muriel gave him (“Little pink umbrellas,” she called them) and swallows them dry. It’s pouring now.... (full context)

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door; it’s Muriel. Henry asks what Muriel is doing here, and she scoffs; does family need a reason... (full context)

...dinner will go: Henry’s father and David will talk about medicine as Henry’s mother and Muriel will talk about art. Henry, meanwhile, will have nothing to contribute. (full context)

...when Henry’s father greets him with a smile, his eyes “threaded with fog.” David and Muriel greet Henry uncharacteristically warmly, too. Nobody criticizes his weight, clothing, or lack of career. Nobody... (full context)

Henry finds Muriel smoking a joint on the porch swing out back. They share the joint and chat.... (full context)