"Kissing Kate" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Kissing Kate" by Lauren Myracle, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. Kate and Lissa are the main characters, while Ariel, Mrs. Byrd, and David support the story with their interactions and relationships with the protagonists.

Character Descriptions

• Kate: Kate is a teenage girl who is known for her rebellious nature and tomboyish appearance. She has short, spiky hair and often wears baggy clothes. Kate is confident and independent, refusing to conform to societal expectations. She is known for her strong personality and her love for skateboarding.
• Lissa: Lissa is Kate's best friend and the narrator of the story. She is more reserved and conforming compared to Kate. Lissa has long, curly hair and is often described as gentle and kind-hearted. She struggles with her feelings for Kate and her fear of judgment from others.
• Ariel: Ariel is another friend of Kate and Lissa. She is described as fashionable and trendy, always up-to-date with the latest fashion trends. Ariel is portrayed as more concerned with her appearance and popularity compared to Kate and Lissa.
• Mrs. Byrd: Mrs. Byrd is Lissa's mother. She is a caring and understanding figure in Lissa's life, providing support and guidance. Mrs. Byrd tries to help Lissa navigate her emotions and the challenges she faces in her friendship with Kate.
• David: David is Lissa's love interest and a classmate. He is portrayed as kind and sensitive, often providing emotional support to Lissa. David becomes an important part of Lissa's journey as she explores her feelings and learns more about herself.

Character Traits

• Kate: Kate is characterized by her rebellious nature, independence, and confidence. She is unapologetically herself and refuses to conform to societal norms. Kate also displays a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness towards her friends.
• Lissa: Lissa is characterized by her gentleness, kindness, and desire for acceptance. She often struggles with her own identity and the fear of judgment from others. Lissa's loyalty and love for Kate are also prominent traits.
• Ariel: Ariel is characterized as fashionable, trendy, and concerned with her appearance and popularity. She is portrayed as someone who values external validation and strives to fit in with societal expectations.
• Mrs. Byrd: Mrs. Byrd is characterized as caring, understanding, and supportive. She provides a safe space for Lissa to express her emotions and helps her navigate the complexities of her friendship with Kate.
• David: David is characterized as kind, sensitive, and emotionally supportive. He becomes a source of comfort for Lissa and helps her discover more about herself and her true feelings.

Character Background

• Kate: Kate's background is not extensively explored in the book. However, her rebellious nature and refusal to conform suggest that she may have experienced some form of societal pressure or judgment in the past.
• Lissa: Lissa comes from a relatively stable and supportive family. Her mother, Mrs. Byrd, plays an important role in her life and provides emotional support. Lissa's background is mainly focused on her experiences and growth throughout the story.
• Ariel: Ariel's background is not explicitly mentioned in the book. However, her desire for popularity and her preoccupation with her appearance suggest that she may have faced societal expectations or pressures as well.
• Mrs. Byrd: Mrs. Byrd's background is not extensively explored in the book. She is primarily portrayed as a caring and understanding mother who supports Lissa in her journey of self-discovery.
• David: David's background is not extensively explored in the book either. He is primarily depicted as a classmate and love interest of Lissa, providing emotional support and understanding throughout the story.

Character Arcs

• Kate: Kate's character arc revolves around her self-discovery and acceptance. As the story progresses, she learns to embrace her true self and becomes more comfortable with her identity. Kate's relationship with Lissa also evolves, leading to a deeper understanding between the two friends.
• Lissa: Lissa's character arc centers around her journey of self-acceptance and understanding her feelings for Kate. She initially struggles with her emotions and fears judgment from others. Throughout the story, Lissa learns to trust herself and express her true feelings, ultimately finding the courage to confront her own desires.
• Ariel: Ariel's character arc is not as prominent as Kate and Lissa's. However, she serves as a contrasting character, highlighting the different paths and choices individuals can make in their lives.
• Mrs. Byrd: Mrs. Byrd's character arc is mainly focused on her role as a supportive mother. She provides guidance and understanding to Lissa, helping her navigate her emotions and the challenges she faces.
• David: David's character arc is intertwined with Lissa's. He supports her in her journey of self-discovery and helps her understand her own feelings. David's presence in Lissa's life contributes to her growth and understanding of herself.

Relationships

• Kate and Lissa: Kate and Lissa's friendship is central to the story. They have a deep bond, but their relationship becomes strained as Lissa grapples with her feelings for Kate. Their dynamic evolves throughout the book, leading to a better understanding of each other and themselves.
• Lissa and Ariel: Lissa and Ariel are friends, but their relationship is not as explored as Lissa's friendship with Kate. Ariel's focus on popularity and appearance creates a contrast with Lissa's more introspective nature.
• Lissa and Mrs. Byrd: Lissa and her mother, Mrs. Byrd, share a close and supportive relationship. Mrs. Byrd offers guidance and understanding to Lissa, acting as a pillar of support in her journey.
• Lissa and David: Lissa and David's relationship develops as they navigate their feelings for each other. David provides emotional support to Lissa, helping her understand herself better.

In conclusion, "Kissing Kate" by Lauren Myracle presents a diverse set of characters who go through various journeys of self-discovery, acceptance, and understanding. The relationships between the characters play a significant role in shaping their arcs and the overall narrative of the book.