"None of the Above" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "None of the Above" by I.W. Gregorio, the protagonist Kristin Lattimer discovers that she is intersex. The story revolves around her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, as well as the challenges she faces in her relationships and identity.

Character Descriptions

1. Kristin Lattimer: Kristin is a high school senior and track star. She is initially portrayed as popular and confident. After being diagnosed as intersex, she struggles with her identity and faces numerous emotional and physical challenges.
2. Sam Greene: Sam is Kristin's love interest and a supportive character throughout the story. He is understanding and stands by Kristin's side when she faces difficulties.
3. Vee: Vee is Kristin's best friend. She provides emotional support and helps Kristin navigate through her journey of self-discovery. Vee is portrayed as caring and loyal.
4. Dr. Amir Hamdi: Dr. Hamdi is Kristin's gynecologist who diagnoses her as intersex. He plays a crucial role in providing Kristin with medical information and guidance regarding her condition.
5. Faith: Faith is Kristin's younger sister. She is portrayed as a typical teenage girl who looks up to Kristin. Their relationship evolves throughout the story as Faith learns to understand and accept Kristin's intersex identity.
6. Dave: Dave is Kristin's father. He struggles initially with Kristin's diagnosis but eventually learns to accept and support her. His character serves as a representation of the challenges that parents may face when their child identifies as intersex.
7. Mrs. Lattimer: Mrs. Lattimer is Kristin's mother. She is supportive and caring, making efforts to understand and help Kristin through her journey of self-discovery.
8. Devon: Devon is a bully at Kristin's school. He targets her after discovering her intersex condition and spreads rumors about her. Devon's character represents the ignorance and bigotry that some individuals may display towards intersex people.

Character Traits

1. Kristin Lattimer: Initially confident and popular, Kristin experiences a range of emotions such as confusion, fear, and insecurity after her diagnosis. She is determined and resilient, facing the challenges with courage. Kristin also exhibits vulnerability and a desire for acceptance.
2. Sam Greene: Sam is kind, understanding, and supportive. He demonstrates empathy and stands by Kristin's side throughout her journey. Sam's character represents the importance of having a loving and accepting partner.
3. Vee: Vee is caring, loyal, and understanding. She provides a safe space for Kristin to express her emotions and supports her unconditionally. Vee's character showcases the value of true friendship.
4. Dr. Amir Hamdi: Dr. Hamdi is knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. He educates Kristin about her condition, helping her understand her body and options. Dr. Hamdi's character represents the importance of medical professionals who are supportive and understanding.
5. Faith: Faith is initially curious and confused about Kristin's intersex condition. As the story progresses, she matures and becomes more accepting and loving towards Kristin. Faith's character demonstrates the potential for growth and understanding within family relationships.
6. Dave: Dave initially struggles with Kristin's diagnosis, but he ultimately learns to accept and support her. His character represents the journey of acceptance that some parents may go through when their child identifies as intersex.
7. Mrs. Lattimer: Mrs. Lattimer is caring and supportive. She makes efforts to understand and help Kristin navigate through her challenges. Mrs. Lattimer's character represents the importance of parental support in the face of adversity.
8. Devon: Devon is portrayed as a bully who targets Kristin after learning about her intersex condition. His character represents ignorance, prejudice, and the harmful effects of bullying.

Character Background

Kristin Lattimer, a high school senior, has always been popular and successful. She excels in track and is in a loving relationship with her boyfriend, Sam Greene. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she visits her gynecologist, Dr. Amir Hamdi, for a routine check-up and discovers that she is intersex.

Kristin's intersex condition means that she has both male and female biological characteristics. This revelation shatters her world and forces her to question her identity, relationships, and future. As she grapples with her diagnosis, Kristin faces challenges in understanding her body, dealing with societal expectations, and navigating her relationships with her family and friends.

Character Arcs

1. Kristin Lattimer: Kristin's character arc revolves around her journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Initially, she struggles with her intersex diagnosis and experiences a range of emotions. However, as the story progresses, Kristin learns to embrace her identity and finds the strength to educate others about intersexuality.
2. Sam Greene: Sam's character arc is primarily focused on his unwavering support for Kristin. He stands by her side throughout her struggles and becomes a pillar of strength for her. Sam's character does not undergo significant personal growth but serves as a constant source of love and understanding for Kristin.
3. Vee: Vee's character arc is centered around her friendship with Kristin. She provides unwavering support and helps Kristin navigate through her challenges. Vee's character remains consistent throughout the story, offering a stable and caring presence.
4. Dr. Amir Hamdi: Dr. Hamdi's character arc revolves around his role as Kristin's gynecologist and guide. He provides medical information, support, and guidance to Kristin, aiding her in understanding her intersex condition. Dr. Hamdi's character serves as a source of knowledge and compassion.

Relationships

1. Kristin and Sam: Kristin and Sam's relationship is tested when Kristin reveals her intersex condition. Sam's unwavering support and love for Kristin strengthen their bond, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding between them.
2. Kristin and Vee: Vee is Kristin's best friend, and their relationship remains strong throughout the story. Vee provides emotional support, understanding, and a safe space for Kristin to express her feelings.
3. Kristin and Her Family: Kristin's relationship with her family evolves as they learn about her intersex condition. Initially, there is confusion and difficulty in accepting her diagnosis. However, as the story progresses, her family members, especially her sister Faith and her parents, Dave and Mrs. Lattimer, learn to understand and support her.
4. Kristin and Devon: Devon represents the negative side of relationships in the story. He targets Kristin after discovering her intersex condition and engages in bullying behavior. This relationship highlights the ignorance and prejudice that some individuals may exhibit towards intersex people.

In conclusion, "None of the Above" by I.W. Gregorio explores the journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and resilience of the protagonist, Kristin Lattimer. Through various relationships and character arcs, the book addresses important themes such as identity, understanding, and the challenges faced by intersex individuals.