"It Started With Goodbye" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "It Started With Goodbye" by Christina June, Tatum is the protagonist and the central character around whom the story revolves. She is a teenage girl who is struggling to find her place in a world filled with misunderstandings and strained relationships. The other characters in the book, such as Ashlyn, Blanche, Tilly, and Hunter, play important roles in Tatum's journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Character Descriptions

• Tatum: Tatum is a sixteen-year-old girl who is dealing with the consequences of a wrongful conviction. She is described as introverted, artistic, and resilient. Tatum has a unique talent for graphic design and finds solace in creating digital art. She has a strong sense of justice and is determined to prove her worth to her family and the world.
• Ashlyn: Ashlyn is Tatum's stepsister, who initially appears to be a typical mean girl. She is described as beautiful, popular, and seemingly perfect. However, as the story progresses, Ashlyn's true character is revealed, and she becomes an important ally for Tatum.
• Blanche: Blanche is Tatum's stepmother, who is strict and overbearing. She is portrayed as a controlling figure who places high expectations on Tatum. Blanche's character undergoes development throughout the book as we learn more about her motivations and insecurities.
• Tilly: Tilly is Tatum's best friend and a source of unwavering support. She is described as quirky, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal. Tilly serves as a sounding board for Tatum and helps her navigate the challenges she faces.
• Hunter: Hunter is Tatum's love interest, and their relationship plays a significant role in her character development. He is portrayed as charming, caring, and understanding. Hunter's presence in Tatum's life helps her realize her self-worth and overcome her insecurities.

Character Traits

• Tatum: Tatum is determined, creative, and resilient. Despite the obstacles she faces, she remains committed to proving her innocence and finding her own path in life. Her artistic abilities and resourcefulness allow her to express herself and find solace during difficult times.
• Ashlyn: Initially seen as a mean girl, Ashlyn's character traits evolve throughout the story. She is revealed to be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding. Ashlyn's transformation highlights the importance of not judging others based on appearances.
• Blanche: Blanche is characterized as strict, controlling, and judgmental. She struggles with her own insecurities and has difficulty understanding Tatum's unique perspective. As the story progresses, Blanche's character softens, and she learns to appreciate Tatum's individuality.
• Tilly: Tilly is quirky, adventurous, and fiercely loyal. She provides Tatum with unwavering support and acts as a catalyst for her personal growth. Tilly's carefree nature helps Tatum embrace her true self and find the courage to pursue her dreams.
• Hunter: Hunter is caring, kind, and understanding. He sees beyond Tatum's wrongful conviction and helps her regain her self-confidence. Hunter's presence in Tatum's life allows her to experience love and acceptance, which in turn helps her overcome her past and embrace her future.

Character Background

• Tatum: Tatum's background is marked by a wrongful conviction that leads to strained relationships within her family. She feels misunderstood and isolated, which fuels her determination to prove herself. Tatum's artistic talents and passion for graphic design stem from a need to express herself in a world that often dismisses her.
• Ashlyn: Ashlyn comes from a privileged background and is initially presented as the perfect stepsister. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that Ashlyn also struggles with her own insecurities and family dynamics. Her background sheds light on the complex nature of relationships and the importance of empathy.
• Blanche: Blanche's background is characterized by a desire for control and perfection. Her strict parenting style stems from her own insecurities and fear of failure. Blanche's background provides insight into the pressures she places on Tatum and the reasons behind her behavior.
• Tilly: Tilly's background is not explored in great detail in the book. However, her carefree nature and unwavering support suggest a stable and loving family background. Tilly's background serves as a contrast to Tatum's and highlights the importance of having a strong support system.
• Hunter: Hunter's background is not extensively explored in the book. He is portrayed as a caring and understanding individual who supports Tatum unconditionally. Hunter's background adds depth to his character and reinforces the idea of finding love and acceptance in unexpected places.

Character Arcs

• Tatum: Tatum's character arc revolves around self-discovery, personal growth, and finding her voice. She starts the story feeling misunderstood and isolated but gradually learns to embrace her uniqueness and stand up for herself. Tatum's journey of self-acceptance leads her to forge meaningful relationships and pursue her dreams.
• Ashlyn: Ashlyn's character arc focuses on transformation and breaking stereotypes. Initially presented as a mean girl, she evolves into a compassionate and understanding individual. Ashlyn's growth challenges societal expectations and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding.
• Blanche: Blanche's character arc centers around understanding and acceptance. She starts as a strict and controlling figure but learns to appreciate Tatum's individuality and support her dreams. Blanche's arc emphasizes the complexities of family dynamics and the potential for growth and change.
• Tilly: Tilly's character arc is not as prominent as the other characters', but she serves as a constant source of support for Tatum. Her unwavering loyalty and carefree nature provide Tatum with the strength and courage to embrace her true self.
• Hunter: Hunter's character arc revolves around love and acceptance. He sees beyond Tatum's wrongful conviction and helps her regain her confidence. Hunter's role in Tatum's life allows her to experience a meaningful relationship and learn to trust again.

Relationships

• Tatum and Ashlyn: The relationship between Tatum and Ashlyn starts off strained but evolves into a genuine bond. They learn to understand and support each other, breaking the stereotypes often associated with stepsiblings. Their relationship highlights the power of empathy and forgiveness.
• Tatum and Blanche: Tatum's relationship with Blanche is initially fraught with tension and control. However, as the story progresses, they begin to understand each other better and find common ground. Their relationship explores the complexities of parent-child dynamics and the potential for growth and understanding.
• Tatum and Tilly: Tatum and Tilly share a deep and meaningful friendship. Tilly serves as a constant source of support, providing Tatum with the strength and encouragement she needs. Their relationship highlights the importance of having a strong support system during challenging times.
• Tatum and Hunter: Tatum's relationship with Hunter plays a significant role in her character development. He sees beyond her wrongful conviction and helps her regain her confidence and trust. Their relationship explores themes of love, acceptance, and finding strength in unexpected places.

In conclusion, "It Started With Goodbye" by Christina June features a diverse cast of characters with complex relationships and personal journeys. Tatum's character arc of self-discovery and personal growth is supported by the relationships she forms with Ashlyn, Blanche, Tilly, and Hunter. Through these characters, the book explores themes of empathy, forgiveness, and the power of unconditional support.