Lyman is the protagonist and narrator of the story. He begins as an optimistic teenager who views himself as lucky when it comes to numbers and money. Lyman is a hard worker who works several jobs beginning in childhood, which lead him to become the owner of the Joliet Café. He is often able to find the silver lining in unfortunate situations. When the Joliet Café is destroyed by a tornado, he views the insurance payout as the silver lining that allows him to buy the red convertible. His ownership of the Joliet Café at the young age of sixteen and his purchase of the red convertible highlight his ability to seize good opportunities as they come his way. Lyman talks a lot about his luck and compares it to his brother’s misfortune. He believes luck is what keeps him from being drafted into the Vietnam War, while Henry Junior is not as fortunate. Lyman remains hopeful that Henry Junior will return from Vietnam and maintains the red convertible with this expectation in mind. Unfortunately, the powerlessness of watching his brother suffer through post-traumatic stress disorder strips him of his hope and optimism. Henry Junior’s death finalizes Lyman’s transformation from optimistic teen to heartbroken and disillusioned young man.