Sylvia is the protagonist and eponymous character of The Paris Bookseller, and she is based on a real historical figure. The real Sylvia becomes famous for opening the original Shakespeare and Company (the predecessor to its current iteration). The shop is arguably the most renowned English-language bookshop in history. While the novel is largely biographical, it also incorporates quite a few fictitious elements in order to make Sylvia feel more present and real and to conform to the established conventions of narrative structure and style.

A clear introvert, Sylvia is not overtly attractive, particularly when compared to her younger sister, Cyprian. She often feels overlooked because “Cyprian could rely on her arresting looks to get attention” (10), while Sylvia herself takes a more intellectual approach to the world. Nevertheless, the sisters maintain a close and confidential relationship. Sensitive to her family’s expectations and to the high literary standards inherent in the novels she loves, Sylvia feels pressured to create something of value; this need to champion Art as Purpose leads her to briefly and unsuccessfully pursue a career as a writer. However, she quickly acknowledges that writing isn’t her strength or her natural medium.