how does the major characters in speak evolve the novel over the course of the book

Either way, over the course of a story the protagonist will change because events and actions force them to make decisions. They become dynamic characters because even doing nothing means that the characters will suffer consequences in some way.

Full Answer

Who is the main character in the book Speak?

Speak Characters. The protagonist of Speak, Melinda begins high school (and the novel) traumatized by a rape that occurred at the hands of upperclassman Andy Evans at a party the summer before. Andy Evans. A popular and handsome upperclassman, Andy Evans raped Melinda at a party the summer before Speak begins.

What is the summary of the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson?

Explore the ''Speak'' by Laurie Halse Anderson summary. Learn about the ''Speak'' characters, study the book's chapter summaries, and read significant quotes. Updated: 02/28/2022 The young adult novel Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, follows the freshman school year of a young girl named Melinda Sordino.

Who is the main antagonist in the book Speak?

She has not told… read analysis of Melinda Sordino A popular and handsome upperclassman, Andy Evans raped Melinda at a party the summer before Speak begins. He is the main antagonist of the book, and spends much of the narrative harassing Melinda in various… read analysis of Andy Evans

How is it described in the novel?

He is described as attractive and strong by those who adore him, though manipulative and controlling by those who know him better. Melinda frequently calls him "IT" or "Beast" as he takes joy in psychologically tormenting her.

How does Melinda from Speak change over the course of the novel?

Melinda Sordino, fourteen-year-old high school freshman, is drastically transformed when she's raped by high school senior Andy Evans. She becomes silent and secretive; she becomes distrustful of people and terrified of being alone with a boy.

What is the main character in the book Speak?

Melinda SordinoAndy EvansRachel BruinIvyHeatherSpeak/Characters

How was Melinda in the beginning of the book?

The summer before starting high school, she was raped by a senior student, Andy Evans. Due to her trauma and inability to tell anyone about what happened, Melinda spirals into a dark depression; loses her ability to speak with ease; and can express her pain only through physical acts, such as biting her lips and nails.

How does tree help reveal Melinda's character development from the beginning to the end of the novel?

Through the use of the tree motif, Anderson reveals Melinda is a depressed tree that's trying hard to grow. At beginning of the novel, the tree motif reveals Melinda is in a dark place as she's showing a sign of depression and sadness.

Did Melinda get raped in the book Speak?

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, chronicles the struggles of thirteen-year-old Melinda Sordino after she is a raped by at a party the summer before her freshman year of high school by another student. Melinda tells her story in first person narrative.

What are Melinda's character traits?

Melinda is very perceptive and bright, but her vision is sometimes clouded by her suffering. She's only fourteen-years-old, and she's dealing with one of the worst things that can happen to a person: rape. High school senior Andy Evans rapes Melinda at the end-of-summer party just before Melinda starts 9th grade.

How does Melinda grow in Speak?

By the novel's end, Melinda has begun to come out of her shell, opening up to her art teacher and to her former friend, Ivy. Her growth reaches its peak when she fights off Andy Evans as he attempts to rape her a second time, and subsequently finishes the drawing of a tree that she has been working on all year.

How is Melinda at the end of Speak?

Melinda Sordino finally gets some relief from her brutal ordeal and pieces together her broken life. This relief comes through various forms of speech. "Speech" includes spoken words and body language. It also includes "symbolic speech" – such as writing, art, and other media.

How is Melinda's mood changing how is her behavior changing?

How is Melinda's mood changing? She is becoming her normal self again and is getting happier. How is her behavior changing? She rides her bike, stands up to Heather and starts opening up to people and starts telling her situation.

How and why does Melinda finally Speak up for herself?

Finally, having shared the story of her rape, Melinda is able to find internal peace. On her bike ride, she returns to the scene of the rape. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, Melinda embraces the role of a survivor and sees herself as a "Melindagirl" seed, ready to grow and flower.

What does the tree symbolize to Melinda?

Near the beginning of the novel, Melinda is assigned a tree as her yearlong assignment in art class. As the narrative progresses, Melinda's attempts to draw a tree come to symbolize her ability to move past her rape, and to mature as a person.

How can pruning of the tree be compared to Melinda's life?

As arborists prune the dead limbs from the tree, her father explains that when you cut off damage, the tree can grow again. In this metaphor, the tree represents Melinda and the pruning she needs to do on herself. Dismantling the closet symbolizes the end of Melinda's hiding and self-isolation.

Party events step by step

The party was outside of town and Melinda felt out of place. She gulped down a few beers, even though she hated the taste, in an attempt to feel mo...

Whats the best quote in speak?

There are so many great quotes in this book. Melinda is such an interesting character with her dark wit and clever musings about life. I like this...

How does Melinda describe herself when she looks in he mirror

From the text: "I watch myself in the mirror across the room, Ugh. My hair is completely hidden under the comforter. (.) Two muddy-circle eyes unde...

What are some characteristics of Melinda in Speak?

For most of the novel, Melinda is an anxious, traumatized teen who has suffered a sexual assault. This makes her fearful of most people, depressed,...

What happened to Melinda in Speak?

Over the summer going into her freshman year of high school, Melinda was raped at a party by a boy named Andy Evans. She called the police, but no...

Who are the minor characters in Speak?

Some of the minor characters in Speak are Mr. Neck, the social studies teacher who is always getting Melinda in trouble. Also Melinda's parents, wh...

Who are Melinda's friends in Speak?

At the beginning of Speak, Melinda has no friends. Rachel Bruin was her best friend, and they return to being friends at the end of the novel. A ne...

Why does Rachel hate Melinda?

Rachel hates Melinda after Melinda calls the police at a summer party to which Rachel’s brother had brought them. Rachel begins spending time with the foreign exchange students and changes her looks, her attitude, and her name to Rachelle. In the spring, she starts dating Andy Evans, and Melinda tries to warn her of the danger of being with him.

Why does David Petrakis dislike Melinda?

After a classroom debate on whether the United States should have closed its borders in 1900, David Petrakis hires a lawyer and threatens to sue Mr. Neck and the school for civil rights violations. Mr.

What is Greta Ingrid?

Greta-Ingrid. Greta-Ingrid is the name Melinda gives to Rachel’s new, exchange-student best friend who looks like a Swedish supermodel. She and Rachel become obsessed with Andy Evans at the same time. Despite Melinda's dislike of Greta-Ingrid, she feels obliged to warn both her and Rachel about the danger of Andy Evans.

What is the character's crush on David?

He is brilliant, confident, and assertive, qualities that Melinda wishes she had. He hires a lawyer and threatens to sue Mr. Neck for a xenophobic classroom debate. He is one of the few characters who sees past Melinda's reputation early in the novel. Melinda develops a small crush on David.

What grade is Melinda in speak?

After Melinda calls the police at a party in August, her former friend group ditches her and disintegrates. The remainder of the student body dislikes her for being a snitch. No one, however, knows Melinda’s biggest secret, the reason she dialed 911 over the summer--a senior named Andy Evans raped her while she was drunk at the party. Horrified and upset in the aftermath, the first thing Melinda thought to do was to call for help. She spends the school year reliving the party, facing the reality of what happened, and growing into a new, healthier person. By the end of ninth grade, Melinda finds her voice and learns to speak.

What does Melinda's mother do?

Melinda’s mother works as a manager at Effert’s, a downtown clothing store that keeps her constantly busy. She is stressed and continually says that she does not have time for Melinda’s poor behavior. Like Melinda’s father, she does not notice Melinda’s depression and thinks that Melinda's silence and low grades are part of a childish game for attention.

Who is Heather in The Marthas?

Heather is Melinda’s first friend in the ninth grade. Heather has just moved from Ohio and like Melinda, does not have any friends when she begins high school. Heather is self-absorbed and obsessed with integrating herself into the social scene. She joins a clan known as “the Marthas” but does not fit in well.

Melinda Sordino

Melinda, a freshman in high school, is the protagonist and narrator of Speak . It takes a leap of the imagination to understand how silent and morose she must appear to those around her, since with the reader, she is highly communicative and often amusing. Melinda has a...

Melinda Sordino

Melinda, a freshman in high school, is the protagonist and narrator of Speak. It takes a leap of the imagination to understand how silent and morose she must appear to those around her, since with the reader, she is highly communicative and often amusing. Melinda has a dark, sarcastic sense of humor and uses her sharp wit as a defense mechanism.

Mr. Freeman

Aptly named, Mr. Freeman is a free-spirited, intelligent, and creative art teacher. He quickly becomes Melinda’s favorite teacher and is the only adult she comes to trust.

Andy Evans

Andy Evans is a senior at Melinda’s high school and the principal antagonist in the narrative. Handsome, popular, and rich, Andy has no trouble attracting girls. However, his superficial charm hides a violent temper and cruel streak. Melinda refuses to say his name—only referring to him as IT or the Beast—for much of the book.

Heather

Heather is a new student who has moved to Syracuse from Ohio. Unaware that Melinda is a social pariah, Heather attempts to befriend her right away, though the friendship is not genuine on either side. Both girls initially decide to spend time together largely in order to avoid appearing to be alone.

Rachel Bruin

Rachel was once Melinda’s closest friend, but their friendship ended after Melinda called the cops at the party over the summer. During the course of the book, Rachel is hostile and unkind in her behavior toward Melinda.

David Petrakis

David Petrakis is Melinda’s lab partner in biology class and one of the few students at school who treats her well. David is a brilliant and ambitious student, but he is also kind, thoughtful, and courageous. In particular, Melinda admires how David stands up to Mr. Neck’s intolerance in front of the whole class.

Melinda Sordino

A thirteen-year-old high school freshman and the novel’s protagonist. Melinda’s biting sarcasm and observant mind quickly pick up on the unstated rules of high school, but trauma from an incident in her past relegates her to a position as a social outcast.

David Petrakis

Melinda’s lab partner. Ambitious and friendly, David impresses Melinda by speaking up for himself to the overbearing teacher who strikes fear in her. Unlike Melinda, David has supportive parents who defend him against unfair school policies. David’s career goals change weekly because he has so much potential.

Mr. Freeman

A teacher at Merryweather High School. While most of the school’s teachers are aloof, uncaring, and absurd, Mr. Freeman represents the opposite—a genuine, caring adult who truly wants to help young people learn how to deal with life. While several adults in the story question why Melinda won’t speak, Mr.

Mom and Dad

Melinda’s parents, who are largely absent from the novel. They are well-meaning but busy parents who love Melinda but don’t know how to help her. Mom owns a clothing store in the city and Dad sells insurance. The family speaks mostly through notes left on the counter.

Rachel Bruin

Melinda’s former best friend who was with her on the night of the attack. During freshman year, Rachel begins calling herself Rachelle, hanging out with foreign exchange students, and ignoring Melinda.

Heather

A new student from Ohio who struggles to fit in and befriends Melinda. Heather cares more about being accepted than finding true connection and friendship.

Nicole

An old friend of Melinda’s who excels at all sports and is also a nice, genuine, and well-liked person.

Why does Mr. Neck give Melinda a demerit?

Mr. Neck gives Melinda a demerit on her first day of school for being in the hall during lunch and later requires her to give an oral speech. His personal life and views get in the way of his teaching, such as when his son is not hired for a job.

What year was the movie "The Outcast" made?

It was also made into a movie of the same name in 2004. The story follows the experiences of social outcast, Melinda Sordino, during her freshman year at Merryweather high school in Syracuse, New York. Due to a horrific experience over the summer, Melinda internalizes her feelings and refuses to speak much over the course ...

What is Melinda's parents' concern about her daughter?

Melinda's parents are concerned for their daughter's sudden muteness but don't seem to know how to deal with it. Her mother works long hours at a downtown retail store and her father's attempts at talking to her yield little communication.

Is Melinda Sordino observant?

Melinda Sordino may remain silent on the outside but she is a very observant,, though hurt individual on the inside. She quickly sees the division of cliques in high school and humorously describes the teachers based on their quirks.

Who is Heather in the new town?

Heather is the new girl in town who has yet to learn of Melinda's outcast status. She is extremely chipper but not without insecurities. Heather uses Melinda to gain the favor of another group of girls called the "Marthas," known for their love of crafting and volunteering.

Where is Sarah Sullivan?

She also wrote for the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's Literary Map while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the Pennsylvania State University.

Who is Andy Evans?

Andy Evans, a senior at Merryweather, had a hand in damaging Melinda. He is described as attractive and strong by those who adore him, though manipulative and controlling by those who know him better. Melinda frequently calls him "IT" or "Beast" as he takes joy in psychologically tormenting her.

What chapter does Andy Evans join the International Club?

Andy Evans (or Andy Beast as she calls him), meanwhile, has joined the International Club and... (full context) Part 4, Chapter 5: My Life as a Spy. Melinda is horrified to discover that Rachel and Greta-Ingrid have gone to the movies with Andy, and now are adoringly following him around everywhere.

What does Melinda imagine when Andy lets go of her wrists?

Although Melinda imagines the poster of Maya Angelou telling her to scream,... (full context) As Andy lets go of Melinda’s wrists to give himself a free hand (presumably to unzip his... (full context) Wishing that she could “hear him scream,” Melinda realizes that Andy’s “lips are paralyzed. He cannot speak.”.

What chapter does Melinda try to get to the bakery?

Melinda tries... (full context) Part 3, Chapter 2: Cold Weather and Buses. After deciding to go to a bakery called Fayette’s for donuts, Melinda sees Andy Evans ( IT, as she calls him) in the parking lot. She freezes on top of... (full context) Part 3, Chapter 8: Cutting Out Hearts.

What chapter does Rachel end up on Andy's lap?

Rachel eventually ends up on Andy’s lap, and when the... (full context) Part 4, Chapter 6: Thin Atmosphere.

What chapter does Melinda dream about killing Andy?

When Mr. Neck is preoccupied, Andy blows in Melinda’s ear, and she fantasizes about killing him. (full context) Part 3, Chapter 19 : A Night to Remember. Suddenly a senior ( Andy Evans) walked out of the trees, called Melinda beautiful and asked her to dance. Drunk,... (full context)

Who is the guy who pushes Melinda back into the closet?

As Melinda turns off the light and goes to leave, Andy Evans appears. He pushes her back into the closet, turns on the light, and shuts... (full context) Andy accuses a horrified Melinda of lying to Rachel about having been raped. He tells her... (full context) ...leave, but he locks the closet door.

Who does Andy rape in The Supply?

When he begins dating Melinda’s former best friend Rachel, Melinda at last takes action, telling Rachel about the rape. After he finds out what Melinda has done, Andy tries to rape her for a second time in the supply closet that she considers her safe space.

How does Melinda communicate?

Much of Melinda's life revolves around communication or lack thereof. In the novel, we witness various forms of communication: sticky notes on the kitchen counter, notebooks passed between students, letters left on school lockers, words on the chalkboard, recording devices, telephone calls, and spoken conversations. Melinda's communication is mostly non-verbal. She expresses anxiousness and fear by biting her lip or running away. She asks her parents for favors by writing them notes. Even when she speaks, she often does not say what she wants to. When Heather tells Melinda that they can no longer be friends, Melinda says, "I try to think of something bitchy, something wicked and cruel. I can't" (105). Of course, the most major communication conflict in the novel involves Melinda's need to tell someone about the rape. It is not until the Fourth Marking Period that Melinda finds the courage to say anything. Interestingly, however, in this initial confession of her secret, she still does not speak. Instead, she passes a note to Rachel explaining the night of the party. Even after her second attack, when the entire school learns of her history with Andy Evans, Melinda still has not spoken, the lacrosse team has. It is not until the very last line of the novel that we understand Melinda is going to finally tell her story out loud. The ultimate communication in the story is distinctly left out of the novel, making the theme even more apparent.

What does David Petrakis say about Melinda?

After Melinda receives a "D" on the report, David Petrakis says, "But you got it wrong. The suffragettes were all about speaking up, screaming for their rights. You can't speak up for your right to be silent.

How does Melinda forget what happened in August?

Furthermore, throughout the novel, we witness Melinda reconstructing her memory of what happened at the party. She begins the novel unable to say Andy Evans' name. By the spring she is finally able to admit to herself that she was raped. Physical evidence of this memory reconstruction comes with Melinda's written confession to Rachel. She at first writes "hurt," but immediately crosses it out and replaces it with the word "rape." Thus when Melinda regains her voice, she is also finally ready to remember. She realizes that remembering, though painful--like cutting sick limbs off a tree--is necessary for healing and growth.

What is the theme of the plant in the novel?

Growth. Plants are a major motif in the novel, used to symbolize the importance and the difficulty of growth . In art class, Melinda is assigned "tree" as the object with which she will be working for the remainder of the school year.

What is the theme of the book "Speak"?

Speak is a book about depression.". Depression is the unspoken theme that defines Melinda's behavior for much of the novel. While she does exhibit some obvious external signs, such as cutting her wrist with a paperclip, much of Melinda's depression is internal and is not fully understood by anyone, including herself.

Does Melinda speak in the book?

Of course, the most major communication conflict in the novel involves Melinda's need to tell someone about the rape. It is not until the Fourth Marking Period that Melinda finds the courage to say anything. Interestingly, however, in this initial confession of her secret, she still does not speak.

Is Melinda a weak person?

Because of Melinda's strong internal voice, it is clear that she is not a naturally weak person. To the contrary, she is witty and smart, astutely observing those around her. Thus Speak can be seen not as the story of a girl growing stronger, but of an already strong girl overcoming depression.