Z For Zachariah

Content Warning: The section of the guide includes discussion of sexual violence, death, and animal death.

Ann is the primary protagonist of Z for Zachariah. She is 15 years old when the novel starts and turns 16 partway through. Before the war, she lived in the valley with her parents; her brother, Joseph; and her cousin David. However, they left to search for survivors in nearby Ogdentown and never returned, leaving Ann to live on her own for over a year. Her ability to survive reflects her resilience and knowledge of the land, as she manages to create a life for herself in solitude: She cares for her family’s cows and chickens, plants a successful garden, and makes plans for her future in the valley by rationing supplies from the store and planning for when things run out.

One key component of Ann’s intelligence is her instincts. When Loomis comes to the valley, she chooses to hide in the cave to wait and see whether she trusts him. Even after she leaves the cave, she keeps its location a secret, which saves her life later in the novel. She also picks up on cues from Loomis that make her uncomfortable, instinctually realizing that she is not safe with him, even if she cannot fully articulate why she feels that way.