Running with Scissors Study Guide

Augusten Burroughs

• The main character and writer of the memoir. He lives with the family of his mother's therapist, the Finches for his own safety [according to his mother and Dr. Finch]. He records the odd events of his life in his journal.

Deirdre

• Augusten’s mother. A published poet with hopes of someday being included in "The New Yorker." She is prone to psychotic breakdowns.

Troy Burroughs

• Augusten's older brother. He is the "normal" one of the family, and undoubtedly the smartest. He has an odd obsession with all things mechanical.

Dr. Finch

• Deirdre’s therapist. Biological father of Natalie&Hope, legal guardian of Vicki, Neil, and eventually Augusten. He uses is position as a psychiatrist to wield a cult-like influence over his patients.

Hope Finch

• Dr. Finch’s oldest, and most favorite daughter, who also doubles as his secretary. She is the first one to befriend Augusten when he comes into the house.

Natalie Finch

• Dr. Finch’s daughter who eventually becomes Augusten's best friend.

Neil Bookman

• A patient of Dr. Finch’s who later becomes his adopted son. After meeting Augusten, he becomes his lover at the age of 33 while Augusten is still only 13.

Agnes

• Dr. Finch’s Wife who is treated more like a maid.

Fern

• Deirdre’s first lesbian lover. Deirdre and Fern leave each other after Fern refuses to leave her family to continue to be with her.

Dorothy

• Deirdre’s second lover. She takes time off of school to visit Dr. Finch, and meets Deirdre through him. She is a rich, African American woman who seems to only like Deirdre because of her love of extremes in life. She paints her nails depending on her mood.