"Code" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Code" by Kathy Reichs, Tory Brennan serves as the protagonist, while Hi Wheeler takes on the role of the antagonist. Ben Blue, Kit Howard, and Shelton Devers are supporting characters who contribute to the development of the story.

Character Descriptions

• Tory Brennan: Tory is a fourteen-year-old girl who is the niece of the famous forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. She possesses a keen interest in science and is highly intelligent. Tory is described as resourceful and determined, with a strong sense of justice.
• Hi Wheeler: Hi Wheeler is the main antagonist of the story. He is a wealthy and influential businessman who is involved in a secret organization. Hi is manipulative, cunning, and will stop at nothing to protect his interests, even if it means endangering others.
• Ben Blue: Ben is a teenager who becomes Tory's close friend and ally. He is described as loyal, brave, and quick-witted. Ben provides comic relief with his sarcastic and humorous personality.
• Kit Howard: Kit is another teenager who joins Tory and Ben in their adventures. She is portrayed as independent and resourceful. Kit's knowledge of technology and hacking skills prove valuable in solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.
• Shelton Devers: Shelton is a forensic science enthusiast who is passionate about insects. He is quirky and socially awkward but possesses a deep understanding of entomology. Shelton's expertise in bugs often helps the group in their investigations.

Character Traits

• Tory Brennan: Intelligent, resourceful, determined, scientific, just, brave.
• Hi Wheeler: Manipulative, cunning, wealthy, influential, ruthless.
• Ben Blue: Loyal, brave, quick-witted, sarcastic, humorous.
• Kit Howard: Independent, resourceful, knowledgeable in technology, skilled hacker.
• Shelton Devers: Quirky, socially awkward, passionate about insects, knowledgeable in entomology.

Character Background

• Tory Brennan: Tory is the niece of Temperance Brennan, the renowned forensic anthropologist from Kathy Reichs' popular "Bones" series. She grows up in Charleston, South Carolina, with her father and distant stepmother. Tory's mother passed away when she was young. She shares her aunt's fascination with science and often assists in forensic investigations.
• Hi Wheeler: Hi Wheeler comes from a wealthy and influential family. He is involved in a secret organization that seeks to gain power and control through unethical means. Hi has a reputation for being ruthless and will do whatever it takes to protect his interests and maintain his status.
• Ben Blue: Ben Blue is a local resident of Charleston, South Carolina. He is known for his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. Ben befriends Tory and becomes an integral part of her group as they navigate through various challenges and mysteries.
• Kit Howard: Kit Howard is a tech-savvy teenager who has a passion for hacking and technology. She brings her expertise in computers and digital forensics to the group, aiding in their investigations and deciphering codes.
• Shelton Devers: Shelton Devers is a socially awkward teenager with a deep fascination for insects. He spends his time studying and collecting bugs, which often proves useful in solving mysteries. Shelton's expertise in entomology allows the group to uncover important clues in their investigations.

Character Arcs

• Tory Brennan: Throughout the story, Tory's character arc revolves around her growth and development as she becomes more confident in her abilities. Initially, she is unsure of herself and lacks self-belief. However, as she faces challenges and solves complex puzzles, Tory gains confidence and embraces her role as a leader within her group.
• Hi Wheeler: Hi Wheeler's character arc focuses on his descent into villainy. Initially, he appears as a charismatic and influential businessman. However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that Hi is willing to go to extreme lengths to protect his interests, ultimately revealing his true nature as a ruthless antagonist.
• Ben Blue: Ben's character arc centers around his transformation from a sarcastic and humorous sidekick to a loyal and dedicated friend. As the story unfolds, Ben's loyalty to Tory deepens, and he becomes more involved in their adventures, ultimately proving himself to be a valuable and unwavering ally.
• Kit Howard: Kit's character arc revolves around her growth as a tech-savvy hacker. Initially, she is hesitant to use her skills for anything other than personal gain. However, as she becomes part of Tory's group and experiences the value of using her talents for a greater purpose, Kit's character evolves, and she becomes more committed to the group's mission.
• Shelton Devers: Shelton's character arc primarily focuses on his journey from a socially awkward and introverted teenager to a valued member of the group. As Shelton's knowledge of insects proves crucial to their investigations, he gains confidence in his abilities and develops stronger social skills, allowing him to contribute more effectively to the team.

Relationships

• Tory Brennan and Ben Blue: Tory and Ben share a strong bond of friendship. Their banter and humorous exchanges provide light-hearted moments throughout the story. Ben's loyalty and quick thinking complement Tory's intelligence and determination, making them an effective team.
• Tory Brennan and Kit Howard: Tory and Kit form a close friendship based on their shared interest in science and their passion for solving mysteries. Kit's technological skills complement Tory's scientific knowledge, allowing them to tackle challenges together.
• Tory Brennan and Hi Wheeler: Tory and Hi have a complex and adversarial relationship. Hi's actions and manipulations often put Tory and her friends in danger. Their confrontations showcase Tory's determination to unravel the secrets surrounding Hi's organization.
• Shelton Devers and Tory Brennan: Shelton and Tory share a unique bond based on their shared interest in science. Tory recognizes Shelton's expertise in entomology, and his knowledge of insects becomes instrumental in their investigations. Tory's support and encouragement help Shelton overcome his social awkwardness.
• Ben Blue and Kit Howard: Ben and Kit develop a close friendship as they work together on various technological challenges. Their complementary skills and shared sense of humor create a strong bond between them.

In conclusion, "Code" by Kathy Reichs features a diverse cast of characters with distinct roles, traits, and relationships. From Tory Brennan's growth as a leader to Hi Wheeler's descent into villainy, each character undergoes their own unique character arc. The relationships between the characters add depth and dynamics to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.