"Confessions of a Serial Kisser" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Confessions of a Serial Kisser" by Wendelin Van Draanen, the main character, Evangeline, takes on the role of the protagonist. She is a teenager who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and explores her views on love and relationships.

Character Descriptions

Evangeline

Evangeline, the protagonist of the story, is a 16-year-old high school student with a vivid imagination. She is described as being outgoing, adventurous, and somewhat impulsive. Evangeline has a passion for kissing and dreams of becoming a great kisser. Throughout the book, she struggles with her identity and often finds herself caught up in various romantic entanglements.

Lizbeth

Lizbeth is Evangeline's best friend and confidante. She is portrayed as being level-headed, practical, and more cautious than Evangeline. Lizbeth often serves as the voice of reason in their friendship, attempting to keep Evangeline grounded and focused on more important matters.

Caleb

Caleb is the love interest in the story. He is described as being charming, mysterious, and somewhat aloof. Evangeline is immediately drawn to him and is determined to win his affection. Caleb's character provides an element of mystery and intrigue, which keeps the reader engaged in Evangeline's pursuit of him.

Mrs. Riley

Mrs. Riley is Evangeline's English teacher. She is portrayed as being strict but fair. Mrs. Riley plays a significant role in Evangeline's character development as she encourages her to explore her writing talent and express herself through her words.

Mr. Walters

Mr. Walters is the principal of Evangeline's high school. He is depicted as being strict and rules-oriented. Mr. Walters often becomes involved in disciplinary matters, including dealing with Evangeline's antics throughout the story.

Angela

Angela is a rival character who frequently clashes with Evangeline. She is described as being popular, confident, and competitive. Angela becomes a source of tension for Evangeline as they vie for attention and recognition, particularly in the realm of romance.

Jake

Jake is a bully character who torments Evangeline and Lizbeth throughout the story. He is depicted as being aggressive, mean-spirited, and manipulative. Jake's presence adds an element of conflict and adversity to Evangeline's journey.

Character Traits

Evangeline's character traits include being adventurous, impulsive, imaginative, and passionate. She is not afraid to take risks and often acts on her emotions rather than thinking things through. Evangeline's imagination fuels her desire for new experiences and drives her pursuit of becoming a great kisser. However, these traits can also lead her into trouble and result in impulsive decisions.

Lizbeth, on the other hand, is characterized as level-headed, practical, and cautious. She serves as a counterbalance to Evangeline's impulsive nature, often urging her to consider the consequences of her actions. Lizbeth's traits provide stability and guidance to the story, offering a different perspective on love and relationships.

Caleb's character traits include being mysterious, charming, and somewhat aloof. These traits contribute to his allure and make him a desirable love interest for Evangeline. Caleb's enigmatic nature captivates Evangeline and keeps the reader intrigued throughout the story.

Angela's character traits include being confident, competitive, and popular. These traits make her a formidable rival for Evangeline's affections. Angela's presence challenges Evangeline to step out of her comfort zone and assert herself in the pursuit of love.

Jake's character traits are aggressive, mean-spirited, and manipulative. His bullying behavior creates conflict and serves as an obstacle for Evangeline and Lizbeth. Jake's traits highlight the darker side of high school dynamics and contribute to the overall character development and growth of Evangeline.

Character Background

Evangeline's character background is gradually revealed throughout the story. She comes from a loving family, with supportive parents and a younger brother. Evangeline's fascination with kissing and her desire to become a great kisser stem from her curiosity about relationships and her own search for love. Her background provides a foundation for her experiences and influences her journey of self-discovery.

Lizbeth's character background is less emphasized in the story, but it is implied that she also comes from a stable and caring family. Her practical nature and cautious approach to relationships may stem from her own experiences or observations of others.

Caleb's character background remains somewhat mysterious throughout the book. The limited information provided about him adds to his enigmatic nature and creates intrigue for both Evangeline and the reader.

Character Arcs

Evangeline's character arc in "Confessions of a Serial Kisser" revolves around her journey of self-discovery, learning to navigate relationships, and understanding the consequences of her impulsive actions. Initially, Evangeline is driven by her desire to become a great kisser, but as the story progresses, she begins to question her motivations and reevaluates her priorities. Through various experiences and interactions, Evangeline gains a deeper understanding of love, friendship, and the importance of self-reflection.

Lizbeth's character arc is intertwined with Evangeline's. As Evangeline's best friend, Lizbeth serves as a stabilizing force and voice of reason. Throughout the story, Lizbeth supports Evangeline but also challenges her to think critically about her actions and their impact. Lizbeth's character arc involves finding her own voice and asserting herself in her friendship with Evangeline.

Relationships

Evangeline's relationships with the other characters in "Confessions of a Serial Kisser" play a significant role in her character development. Her friendship with Lizbeth provides a sense of stability and support. Lizbeth serves as a grounding force for Evangeline, offering guidance and advice. Evangeline's interactions with Caleb fuel her romantic aspirations and drive her pursuit of him.

Evangeline's relationship with Mrs. Riley, her English teacher, is also important. Mrs. Riley recognizes Evangeline's writing talent and encourages her to express herself through her words. This relationship allows Evangeline to explore her creativity and gain confidence in her abilities.

On the other hand, Evangeline's relationships with Angela and Jake are more adversarial. Angela's presence challenges Evangeline's self-confidence and pushes her to assert herself in the pursuit of love. Jake's bullying behavior creates conflict and tests Evangeline's resilience.

Overall, the relationships in "Confessions of a Serial Kisser" contribute to the development of Evangeline's character, pushing her to confront her insecurities, navigate the complexities of love, and discover her true self.