"On the Come Up" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Bri Jackson

Bri Jackson is the protagonist of "On the Come Up." She is a talented young rapper striving to make a name for herself in the music industry while dealing with the challenges of her environment and personal struggles.

Jay

Jay serves as the antagonist in the story, posing obstacles and conflicts for Bri as she pursues her dreams.

Curtis

Curtis plays the role of a mentor to Bri, offering guidance and support as she navigates the complexities of the music industry.

Malik, Sonny, and Trey

These characters serve as supporting figures in Bri's life, offering various forms of influence and impact on her journey.

Character Descriptions

Bri Jackson

Bri is a resilient and determined teenager with a passion for hip-hop and a gift for rapping. Living in a tough neighborhood, she faces the daily realities of poverty, violence, and discrimination. Despite these challenges, Bri is fiercely independent and refuses to let her circumstances define her.

Jay

Jay is a rival rapper who becomes a source of conflict for Bri as she seeks to establish herself as an artist. His presence adds tension and complexity to Bri's journey in the music industry.

Curtis

Curtis is an influential figure in Bri's life, providing guidance and wisdom as she navigates the competitive world of music. His mentorship plays a significant role in shaping Bri's decisions and aspirations.

Malik, Sonny, and Trey

These supporting characters each bring their own unique perspectives and influences to Bri's life, impacting her choices and experiences as she pursues her passion for music.

Character Traits

Bri Jackson

• Resilient: Despite facing numerous obstacles, Bri displays a remarkable resilience in pursuit of her dreams.
• Passionate: Her love for hip-hop and rapping fuels her drive to succeed in the music industry.
• Courageous: Bri fearlessly confronts societal issues and challenges through her music, demonstrating a bold and unapologetic attitude.

Jay

• Competitive: Jay's competitive nature drives the conflict between him and Bri as they both strive for recognition in the music world.

Curtis

• Supportive: Curtis serves as a supportive and guiding presence for Bri, offering encouragement and valuable advice.

Malik, Sonny, and Trey

• Influential: Each of these supporting characters brings their own influence to Bri's life, impacting her decisions and actions in significant ways.

Character Background

Bri Jackson

Bri grew up in Garden Heights, a neighborhood rife with poverty and crime. Raised by a single mother, Bri has faced the challenges of systemic racism and economic hardship throughout her life. Her experiences have shaped her identity and fueled her determination to succeed as a rapper.

Jay

Little is revealed about Jay's background in the book, but his competitive and confrontational nature suggests a background similar to Bri's in terms of the challenges faced in their community.

Curtis

As a successful musician and mentor, Curtis brings a wealth of experience and insight to his role in Bri's life. His own background in the music industry informs his mentorship of Bri.

Malik, Sonny, and Trey

Each of these characters has their own unique background and experiences, which influence their interactions with Bri and the choices they make throughout the story.

Character Arcs

Bri Jackson

Bri's character arc revolves around her journey to establish herself as a respected and authentic rapper while navigating the complexities of her environment. Her growth involves finding her voice, standing up for her beliefs, and coming to terms with the impact of her words and actions.

Jay

While Jay's character arc is primarily defined by his rivalry with Bri, there may be underlying motivations or personal growth that contribute to his role in the story.

Curtis

Curtis's character arc is centered around his role as a mentor and the impact he has on Bri's development as an artist. His guidance and influence shape Bri's decisions and outlook on her music career.

Malik, Sonny, and Trey

These supporting characters may have their own individual character arcs that intersect with Bri's journey, impacting her choices and experiences along the way.

Relationships

Bri Jackson

Bri's relationships with her mother, friends, mentors, and rivals all play crucial roles in shaping her journey as a rapper. These varied relationships offer support, challenge, and growth opportunities for Bri throughout the story.

Jay

The rivalry between Bri and Jay shapes their relationship, adding tension and conflict to the narrative as they compete for recognition in the music industry.

Curtis

Curtis's mentorship and guidance form a significant and influential relationship for Bri, as he offers wisdom and support crucial to her development as an artist.

Malik, Sonny, and Trey

Each of these supporting characters contributes to Bri's journey in unique ways, offering different perspectives and impacts on her decisions and experiences.

This character analysis delves into the diverse cast of "On the Come Up," highlighting their roles, traits, relationships, and overall impact on the narrative. The characters' backgrounds and arcs contribute to the richness of the story, offering a compelling exploration of their individual journeys within the vibrant world of hip-hop and personal growth.