"Made You Up" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Francesca Zappia's novel "Made You Up," the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall story. The protagonist, Alex, is a high school student with schizophrenia, and her journey forms the central narrative. Miles, the love interest, provides support and helps Alex navigate her reality. Tucker, Nora, and Pixie are Alex's friends who offer companionship and understanding. Other characters, such as Mr. Eastman, Mrs. Anderson, Dad, and Mom, play important roles in shaping Alex's perception of the world around her.

Character Descriptions

• Alex: Alex is a teenage girl with schizophrenia. She has blue hair, which she believes gives her a sense of control over her life. She is intelligent, observant, and struggles with distinguishing between what is real and what is a hallucination.
• Miles: Miles is a fellow student at Alex's school and becomes her love interest. He is described as tall, with dark hair, and a charming personality. He is supportive and caring towards Alex, helping her navigate her condition.
• Tucker: Tucker is one of Alex's closest friends. He is described as funny, laid-back, and always up for an adventure. He provides a sense of normalcy and acceptance in Alex's life.
• Nora: Nora is another friend of Alex's. She is described as artistic, creative, and a source of inspiration for Alex. Nora is understanding and compassionate towards Alex's struggles.
• Pixie: Pixie is Alex's quirky and eccentric friend. She is known for her colorful fashion choices and her love for all things strange. Pixie brings a sense of whimsy and humor to Alex's life.
• Mr. Eastman: Mr. Eastman is one of Alex's teachers at school. He is passionate about history and encourages his students to think critically. He recognizes Alex's intelligence and supports her throughout the story.
• Mrs. Anderson: Mrs. Anderson is the school counselor. She provides guidance and support to Alex, helping her cope with her schizophrenia and navigate the challenges of high school.
• Dad: Alex's father is a hardworking and loving parent. He is understanding and tries his best to support Alex in her struggles.
• Mom: Alex's mother is absent for most of the story due to her job. While her presence is limited, her relationship with Alex is explored through memories and conversations.

Character Traits

• Alex: Intelligent, observant, resilient, creative, determined, and struggling with schizophrenia.
• Miles: Supportive, caring, understanding, patient, and empathetic.
• Tucker: Funny, laid-back, adventurous, loyal, and accepting.
• Nora: Artistic, creative, inspirational, compassionate, and understanding.
• Pixie: Quirky, eccentric, colorful, humorous, and unique.
• Mr. Eastman: Passionate, knowledgeable, supportive, encouraging, and insightful.
• Mrs. Anderson: Compassionate, helpful, understanding, patient, and resourceful.
• Dad: Hardworking, loving, supportive, caring, and understanding.
• Mom: Absent for most of the story, distant, mysterious, and conflicted.

Character Background

• Alex: Alex was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age. She has experienced difficulties with her condition throughout her life, including episodes of hallucinations and paranoia. She attends a new school as a senior and is determined to have a "normal" high school experience.
• Miles: Miles is a popular student at school who becomes intrigued by Alex. He has his own secrets and struggles, but provides a stable and supportive presence in Alex's life.
• Tucker: Tucker has been friends with Alex since childhood. He understands her condition and accepts her for who she is. Tucker is a source of comfort and stability in Alex's life.
• Nora: Nora is an artistic and creative individual who becomes fast friends with Alex. She is understanding of Alex's struggles and provides a sense of inspiration and companionship.
• Pixie: Pixie is known for her eccentric personality and unique fashion sense. She joins Alex's group of friends and brings a sense of fun and humor to their dynamic.
• Mr. Eastman: Mr. Eastman is one of Alex's teachers who recognizes her intelligence and supports her academic endeavors. He encourages critical thinking and provides guidance to Alex.
• Mrs. Anderson: Mrs. Anderson is the school counselor who helps Alex navigate her struggles with schizophrenia. She offers support, guidance, and resources to help Alex cope with her condition.
• Dad: Alex's father is a loving and supportive parent who tries his best to understand and support her. He works long hours to provide for their family but is always there for Alex when she needs him.
• Mom: Alex's mother is absent for most of the story due to her job. Her relationship with Alex is strained, and Alex often reflects on their past interactions and the impact it has had on her.

Character Arcs

• Alex: Throughout the story, Alex learns to trust her own perception of reality and embrace her identity, despite her condition. She becomes more confident in herself and forms meaningful relationships with others.
• Miles: Miles starts off as a popular and seemingly carefree student. As he gets to know Alex, he reveals his own struggles and vulnerabilities, ultimately finding solace in their connection.
• Tucker: Tucker remains a constant and supportive friend to Alex. His role is to provide stability and acceptance in her life, and he remains consistent throughout the story.
• Nora: Nora becomes an important friend to Alex, helping her explore her artistic side and offering support in times of need. She encourages Alex to embrace her creativity and express herself.
• Pixie: Pixie brings a sense of fun and humor to Alex's life. She helps Alex navigate the challenges of high school and provides a lighthearted perspective on their shared experiences.
• Mr. Eastman: Mr. Eastman serves as a mentor to Alex, encouraging her academic pursuits and critical thinking. He supports her growth and provides guidance throughout the story.
• Mrs. Anderson: Mrs. Anderson plays a crucial role in helping Alex cope with her schizophrenia. She offers guidance, resources, and a safe space for Alex to express herself.
• Dad: Alex's father remains a steady presence in her life, offering love and support throughout her journey. He learns to better understand her condition and becomes more involved in her life.
• Mom: While absent for most of the story, Alex reflects on her complicated relationship with her mother and seeks closure in understanding their past interactions.

Relationships

• Alex and Miles: Alex and Miles form a romantic relationship throughout the story, providing support and understanding to each other's struggles.
• Alex and Tucker: Alex and Tucker have a close friendship that spans many years. Tucker provides stability and acceptance in Alex's life.
• Alex and Nora: Alex and Nora become fast friends, bonding over their shared experiences and creative interests. Nora offers understanding and inspiration to Alex.
• Alex and Pixie: Pixie brings a sense of fun and quirkiness to Alex's life. She is a loyal and accepting friend who adds humor to their group dynamic.
• Alex and Mr. Eastman: Mr. Eastman serves as a mentor to Alex, encouraging her academic pursuits and critical thinking. He is a supportive and influential figure in her life.
• Alex and Mrs. Anderson: Mrs. Anderson is the school counselor who provides guidance and support to Alex in navigating her schizophrenia. She helps Alex cope with her condition and offers resources for her well-being.
• Alex and Dad: Alex's relationship with her father is loving and supportive. He tries his best to understand and support her, despite the challenges they face.
• Alex and Mom: Alex's relationship with her mother is complicated due to her absence for most of the story. Alex reflects on their past interactions and seeks closure in understanding their relationship.

In conclusion, "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia explores the complex and challenging journey of Alex, a teenager with schizophrenia. The various characters in the book play significant roles in shaping Alex's perception of reality and providing support in her struggles. Through character descriptions, traits, backgrounds, and relationship dynamics, the novel delves into themes of identity, friendship, love, and self-acceptance.