Priest

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child sexual abuse, death by suicide, gender discrimination, sexual content, and cursing.

Tyler is the priest in the title; he’s the main character, protagonist, and narrator. Tyler presents the narrative as his “confession,” and he represents the central theme of The Tension Between Sexual Desire and Christian Morality. He wants a loving, sexual relationship with Poppy and a strong connection with God, but he’s not sure if the two are compatible. Additionally, Tyler represents the theme of Finding Fulfillment in Spite of Restrictive Norms. He wants sex and spirituality, but Catholic teachings have led him to question whether he can have both.

Tyler is an introspective character. The book features many stream-of-consciousness moments where Tyler details his thought process and how his perceptions develop or twist. Simone depicts Tyler as a prototypically attractive man. He’s tall and muscular, but he’s not assertive. His indecisiveness sustains the story; it delays resolution and creates uncertainty about what will happen between him and Poppy.

Tyler’s gentle demeanor manifests in his sexual interactions with Poppy. He’s comfortable calling her names—“little slut” and “little lamb” among them—yet Poppy’s desire for rough sex unnerves him.