Fangirl Summary

An introverted college freshman and prolific fan fiction writer.

Cath is a highly intelligent, anxious, and deeply introverted young woman whose identity is largely intertwined with her immensely popular Simon Snow fan fiction, 'Carry On, Simon.' She struggles with social interactions, new environments, and separation from her twin sister, Wren. Her comfort zone is online, within her fandom community. She is fiercely loyal, perceptive, and has a rich inner world, but her anxieties often prevent her from engaging with the real world. She is also a loving daughter and sister, often taking on the role of caretaker due to her father's mental health and Wren's impulsiveness.

Relationships: Wren Avery (Twin sister, initially very close, then strained, eventually mending.); Levi Stewart (Boyfriend, initially Reagan's boyfriend, then Cath's supportive and loving partner.); Reagan (Roommate, initially hostile, becomes a close friend.); Art Avery (Father, loving but emotionally fragile, Cath often cares for him.); Professor Piper (Writing professor, initially a source of conflict, later an inspiration and validator.)

Cath's outgoing twin sister, who seeks to distance herself from fandom and family.

Wren is Cath's twin sister, but her personality is almost the opposite: outgoing, adventurous, and eager to embrace new experiences. She wants to shed her identity as 'Cath's twin' and her association with the Simon Snow fandom. This leads her to actively pursue a social life involving parties and drinking, often to excess. While she loves Cath, her desire for independence sometimes makes her seem dismissive or neglectful. She struggles with her own identity and coping mechanisms, particularly regarding their mother's abandonment.

Relationships: Cath Avery (Twin sister, initially very close, then strained, eventually mending.); Art Avery (Father, loves him but struggles with his emotional needs.)

Reagan's charming ex-boyfriend who becomes Cath's supportive love interest.

Levi is a kind, patient, and empathetic young man who initially appears to be Reagan's charming, ever-present boyfriend. He possesses a remarkable emotional intelligence and an ability to genuinely connect with people, even those as guarded as Cath. He struggles with reading comprehension, which makes him feel insecure, but he is open about it. He is observant, supportive, and non-judgmental, proving to be a stable and comforting presence in Cath's chaotic life. His gentle nature and unwavering support are instrumental in helping Cath open up and thrive.

Relationships: Cath Avery (Boyfriend, supportive and loving partner.); Reagan (Ex-girlfriend, remains a friend after their breakup.)

Cath's initially surly, but ultimately protective and loyal roommate.

Reagan is Cath's roommate, initially appearing brusque, sarcastic, and unapproachable. She is fiercely independent and no-nonsense, but beneath her tough exterior lies a loyal and caring friend. She doesn't tolerate pretense or self-pity, pushing Cath out of her comfort zone in practical ways, like insisting she socialize. Reagan is perceptive and often gives Cath sound advice, acting as a grounding force. She is deeply protective of her friends and demonstrates a surprising capacity for empathy and understanding as her friendship with Cath grows.

Relationships: Cath Avery (Roommate, becomes a close friend.); Levi Stewart (Ex-boyfriend, remains a friend.)

Cath and Wren's loving father, who struggles with bipolar disorder.

Art is Cath and Wren's father, a kind-hearted and loving man who deeply cares for his daughters. He struggles with bipolar disorder, which makes him emotionally fragile and prone to periods of intense focus followed by withdrawal. His wife's abandonment left a significant scar, and he often relies on his daughters for emotional support, particularly Cath. He tries his best to be a good father but sometimes struggles to cope with the challenges of parenting two teenage girls, especially Wren's wild streak. He is a creative and artistic individual, often working on his own music.

Relationships: Cath Avery (Daughter, Cath often acts as his caretaker.); Wren Avery (Daughter, worries about her choices.)

Cath's fiction writing professor, who challenges her views on fan fiction.

Professor Piper is Cath's no-nonsense fiction writing instructor. She holds strong, traditional views on creative writing, openly dismissing fan fiction as derivative and unoriginal. This stance initially puts her at odds with Cath, who finds her passion and skill in fan fiction. However, Professor Piper is also a dedicated teacher who recognizes talent and pushes her students to grow. While her methods are sometimes intimidating, she ultimately helps Cath discover her own original voice, even if she never fully endorses fan fiction.

Relationships: Cath Avery (Student, initially challenges Cath, then validates her writing.)

Cath's classmate in her fiction writing class and a brief writing partner.

Nick is a fellow student in Professor Piper's fiction writing class. He is ambitious, intellectual, and initially seems like a potential friend or collaborator for Cath. They work together on a short story, and Nick seems to appreciate Cath's talent. However, he also proves to be somewhat self-serving, taking more credit for their joint work than is perhaps fair. He represents a more traditional, academic approach to writing that Cath initially tries to emulate.

Relationships: Cath Avery (Classmate and brief writing partner.)

Cath and Wren's absent mother.

Laura is Cath and Wren's mother, who abandoned the family when the twins were eight years old. Her departure left a profound and lasting impact on Cath, Wren, and their father, Art, shaping their personalities and coping mechanisms. Her absence is a central emotional wound for the family, driving much of the twins' behavior and their father's struggles. While she occasionally reaches out, her presence in their lives is largely defined by her absence and the trauma she inflicted.

Relationships: Cath Avery (Mother, her abandonment caused deep emotional scars.); Wren Avery (Mother, her abandonment caused deep emotional scars.); Art Avery (Ex-wife, her abandonment deeply affected him.)