Thirteen Reasons Why Characters & Character Analysis

Thirteen Reasons Why Characters

Clay Jensen

The book has two central characters, each of whom meets the general criteria of a protagonist. Both Clay Jensen and Hannah Baker (see below) have driving personal needs, both take determined action to meet those needs, both encounter obstacles as they take that action, both achieve their goals, and both emerge from the process transformed. It's important to note, however, that Clay's process of transformation is triggered and/or defined by his encounter with Hannah - in other words, by how her process of transformation affects him. This, therefore, makes Hannah an antagonist, a character who, by acting in opposition to the will and desires of the protagonist, triggers change and/or transformation in him/her. Clay is changed by Hannah. As the narrative makes clear, Hannah is, unfortunately, not changed by Clay.

That said, and the relative narrative functions of the two characters defined (see also "Style - Point of View"),...
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