April May is the main character in the novel An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green.
A twenty-something graphic designer living in New York City, April is propelled into the limelight when she stumbles upon a mysterious statue she names “Carl”. After she and her friend Andy upload a video of the sculpture to YouTube, they learn identical “Carls” have appeared in cities around the world.
Overnight, April becomes the face of a worldwide phenomenon she can barely understand.
April is characterized by her wit, creativity, and a deep desire to make a difference. Her initial encounter with Carl reveals her impulsive and adventurous spirit as she decides on a whim to document and share her discovery. This decision not only changes her life but also highlights her curiosity and willingness to embrace the unknown. As the story unfolds, April wrestles with her identity. Is she now the infamous social media star of the Carls, or still the same young woman trying not to mess up her love life?
April’s primary romantic relationship in the novel is with her girlfriend, Maya. As April’s fame grows, the pressures and demands of her new life strain their relationship. Maya becomes frustrated with April’s increasing obsession with her public persona and the Carls, leading to growing tension and emotional distance. As April loses control of her own branding and makes increasingly questionable choices, Maya begins to dislike the person April is becoming. Eventually, their relationship falls apart under the weight of fame and moral conflict.
In addition to her relationship with Maya, April’s bisexuality is explored through her friendship with Andy. Although their relationship remains platonic, there are moments that hint at deeper, unspoken feelings, adding complexity to their dynamic.
April’s bisexuality also influences how she navigates the public’s perception of her. As she becomes a spokesperson for the Carls and a figure of fascination, she faces scrutiny and judgment from others. Her sexuality becomes part of the larger conversation about identity, image, and authenticity. April must decide whether to publicly brand herself as bisexual and face the stigma that can come with such visibility.
Throughout An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, April’s bisexuality is portrayed with nuance and sensitivity. It is not the defining aspect of her identity, but it meaningfully shapes her relationships and experiences. Green’s portrayal of April offers thoughtful representation, showing bisexuality as a natural and multifaceted part of who she is.
Another strength of Green’s writing is how he exposes society’s common biphobia through April’s perspective. He does not shy away from the frustrating assumptions often made about bisexual people, instead dismantling them through April’s voice and experiences. Her manager tells her to “pick a side” so she can present a clearer image, arguing that bisexuality is too confusing for the public. Later, in a televised debate, her rival Peter Petrawicki uses her sexuality against her, implying it makes her unreliable or inconsistent. April responds with calm defiance:
No, it’s fine, he’s right. This has absolutely nothing to do with this conversation, but I’m bisexual and that’s just as regular as being gay or straight. A person’s gender has never been a thing that influences whether I’m attracted to them, and that’s just as regular as being gay or straight.