Charlie
Charlie is the main character of this novel. This novel follows his journey through his first year at high school. Charlie analyzes everything, all the time. He is constantly thinking. He is very shy. But, after talking to new people, he learned how to be a bit more social. Throughout the novel, Charlie makes a lot of observations. He observes his family, friends and just life in general.Due to Charlie's nature, he is never able to voice his opinion. For example, When he was dating Mary Elizabeth, he couldn't tell her what he really felt. Although Charlie is nice and quiet, he can be agressive. For example he beats up his bully, Sean. Also, Charlie fighting Brad's friends. At the end, we learn why Charlie might be like he is. Throughout the novel, CHarlie would talk about his Aunt Helen a lot. It is not only until the end that you realize why. CHarlie was struck hard by the sudden realization that his Aunt Helen had been molesting him. This could turn Charlie into a new person. Either a for better, or for worse.
Sam
Sam is a senior at Charlie's high school. She is Patrick's step-sister. Charlie is attracted to her ever since he laid eyes on her. Sam is very kind and supportive of Charlie. Sam had a bad reputation but seems to have gotten herself straighted out. Sam is very loyal to Sam. She helps Charlie when he needs it. For example, when he ate the brownie, Sam was the only one to help him. Also, when Charlie started to freak out at her touching him, she leaves him be. She comes back after and takes him through the tunnel he loves. This shows that even if she doesn't want a relationship between her and Charlie, she still values him highly.
Patrick
Patrick is one of Charlie's best friends. Charlie holds him in high regards throughout the novel. Patrick is gay and has a secret relationship with Brad, the quarterback. Brad and Patrick tried to keep their relationship a secret. But, Brad's dad find out, and beats up Brad. After, in the cafeteria, Brad and Patrick get into an argument. After this, Patrick's mental state plummets. Patrick starts drinking, doing drugs and hooking up with other guys to forget about Brad but he never can. Patrick hopes attending University would be the best thing for him so he plans to attend the University of Washington.
Aunt helen
Aunt Helen is Charlie's favourite person in the world. She is the only relative to get a name. When Aunt Helen died, Charlie felt a tremendous amount of guilt. He would visit her grave a lot. He would talk about his secrets to Aunt Helen's grave. This shows that Charlie really trusted Aunt Helen. Aunt Helen was abused as a child by a family friend. Her parents wouldn't believe her story and kept inviting the guy into their home. The trauma affected her the rest of her life. She would drink a lot and do drugs. Because of her past, Aunt Helen goes on to molest Charlie. Charlie forgives her, but the effects cannot be undone.
Charlie's Family
Sister: Charlie's sister has a horrible relationship with her boyfriend. He beat her and she stayed with him until becoming pregnant. She might suffer from low self-esteem due to the fact that she tells Charlie that both Sam and Mary-Elizabeth have low self-esteem. After she got an abortion with the help of Charlie, their relationship gets better.
Brother: Charlie's brother is a highly skilled football player. He plays for Penn State University. Charlie's brother also cares about his family. He helped Charlie with the loss of Michael.
Mom: Charlie's mom is very insecure. This may be because she was beaten by her father. We also know that she loves her kids and her husband.
Dad: At first his Dad seemed pretty cold and abusive. But later, we understand that he is caring and loves his family. Charlie also states that his dad is a good husband to Charlie's mom.
Brother: Charlie's brother is a highly skilled football player. He plays for Penn State University. Charlie's brother also cares about his family. He helped Charlie with the loss of Michael.
Mom: Charlie's mom is very insecure. This may be because she was beaten by her father. We also know that she loves her kids and her husband.
Dad: At first his Dad seemed pretty cold and abusive. But later, we understand that he is caring and loves his family. Charlie also states that his dad is a good husband to Charlie's mom.