Vanessa Character Analysis in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Vanessa is an attractive barista at a coffeeshop Henry frequents. Before Henry’s deal with Luc, Vanessa hardly notices Henry. Afterward, though, she becomes obsessed with him. They briefly date, but when Henry asks Vanessa what she sees in him, her eyes grow misty, and she lists a bunch of generically positive adjectives that certainly don’t describe Henry. It’s then that Henry understands that his deal is in fact a curse: everyone wants him, but nobody really sees him for who he is. What’s more, their wanting is coerced rather than voluntary, which makes it unreal. Henry breaks things off with Vanessa after he exits the shower to find her burning a box of Tabitha’s things out of jealousy.

Vanessa Character Timeline in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

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

His head still throbbing, Henry heads to Roast, a coffeeshop near his apartment. Vanessa, a beautiful blonde barista, is working there. Normally, she doesn’t give Henry a second glance.... (full context)

...have a “strange and subtle light” to them. Henry is totally confused. He remembers how Vanessa acted that morning at the coffee shop. Then he looks down at the watch on... (full context)

Henry reaches the register. Vanessa is there. She smiles shyly and asks Henry why he never called her. Henry laughs... (full context)

New York City. September 19, 2013. Henry meets Vanessa at a small taqueria. For once, Henry doesn’t overthink everything he says. He feels natural... (full context)

Later, Henry wakes to Vanessa running her hand down his back. Vanessa says they need to talk. Then she announces... (full context)

After his shower, Henry walks into the kitchen and finds Vanessa burning a box of Tabitha’s old things in the sink. Henry angrily demands to know... (full context)

...many coffee shops; he hasn’t been able to return to the Roast since his and Vanessa’s breakup. Henry has just reached the front of the line when he hears Tabitha call... (full context)