Estimated read time: 15 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role in the Story | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Thorn | Protagonist | A gay teenager navigating family, love, and self-acceptance. |
| Angela Thorn | Adam's best friend | Supportive, loyal, and direct confidant to Adam. |
| Enzo | Adam's boyfriend | Adam's supportive and caring partner. |
| Linus | Adam's ex-boyfriend | Adam's unresolved love interest; source of emotional turmoil. |
| Marty Thorn | Adam's older brother | Adam's competitive and religious sibling. |
| Nathan Thorn | Adam's father | Adam's evangelical pastor father with strict beliefs. |
| Mrs. Thorn | Adam's mother | Adam's compassionate yet conflicted mother. |
| Robbie | Angela's boyfriend | Adam's friend; brings lightness and fun. |
| The Queen (ghost) | Supernatural entity | Spirit of a murdered girl, paralleling Adam's journey. |
| The Faun | Supernatural guide | Helps the Queen’s spirit; symbolizes change. |
| Eddie | The murdered girl | Her story intertwines with the Queen’s possession. |
| Bob | Adam's boss | Demanding, inappropriate workplace authority. |
| Avery | Adam's cousin | Represents Adam’s extended family and outside perspective. |
Role Identification
| Character Name | Role Function | Significance to Plot |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Thorn | Main character | Drives the narrative through self-discovery. |
| Angela Thorn | Sidekick/Ally | Offers emotional support and frank advice. |
| Enzo | Love interest | Represents acceptance and hope for Adam. |
| Linus | Antagonist/Loss | Embodies Adam’s internal conflicts and longing. |
| Marty Thorn | Sibling Rival | Highlights family tension and religious conflict. |
| Nathan Thorn | Authority Figure | Source of emotional struggle; represents tradition. |
| Mrs. Thorn | Nurturer | Torn between love for Adam and religious beliefs. |
| Robbie | Comic Relief | Balances seriousness with humor. |
| The Queen | Parallel Protagonist | Supernatural reflection of Adam’s journey. |
| The Faun | Mentor/Guide | Guides the Queen, echoing Adam’s need for guidance. |
| Eddie | Catalyst | Her story triggers the supernatural subplot. |
| Bob | Workplace Antagonist | Highlights real-world challenges Adam faces. |
| Avery | Observer | Offers perspective on Adam’s family dynamics. |
Character Descriptions
Adam Thorn
Adam is a seventeen-year-old gay teenager living in a small, conservative town. He is the son of a pastor and the brother of Marty. Adam’s life is marked by his struggle for self-acceptance, the tension between his sexuality and his family’s religious values, and his search for love and validation.
Angela Thorn
Angela is Adam’s outspoken and fiercely loyal best friend. She provides a safe space for Adam to express himself. Her honesty and humor help Adam navigate the challenges of his family and relationships.
Enzo
Enzo is Adam’s current boyfriend. He is compassionate, understanding, and provides the stability Adam craves. Enzo’s acceptance of Adam contrasts with the conditional love Adam feels from his family.
Linus
Linus is Adam’s ex-boyfriend and the source of lingering emotional pain. Their relationship was intense but ended due to Linus’s inability to be open about his sexuality. Linus’s presence in the story forces Adam to confront unresolved feelings and understand his own worth.
Marty Thorn
Marty is Adam’s older brother. As the golden child, Marty upholds their father’s religious expectations. His relationship with Adam is strained, reflecting the broader conflict within the Thorn family about faith and acceptance.
Nathan Thorn
Nathan, Adam’s father, is an evangelical pastor. He is strict, traditional, and often emotionally distant. His relationship with Adam is complicated by his inability to reconcile faith with Adam’s sexuality.
Mrs. Thorn
Adam’s mother is compassionate but caught between her husband’s beliefs and her love for Adam. She struggles to support Adam without defying her husband or her faith.
Robbie
Robbie is Angela’s boyfriend and a friend of Adam. He is lighthearted, fun, and serves as comic relief. Robbie’s presence brings levity to tense moments and highlights the importance of friendship.
The Queen (ghost)
The Queen is a supernatural entity who possesses the body of Eddie, a murdered girl. Her journey to find release from the mortal world parallels Adam’s journey toward self-acceptance and freedom.
The Faun
The Faun is an enigmatic guide who helps the Queen’s spirit find peace. He represents the forces of change and transformation in the novel, mirroring Adam’s own journey.
Eddie
Eddie is the teenage girl whose murder sets off the supernatural subplot. Her spirit, overtaken by the Queen, seeks closure and justice.
Bob
Bob is Adam’s boss at a local store. He is demanding and at times inappropriate, highlighting the challenges Adam faces outside his family and social circles.
Avery
Avery is Adam’s cousin, present at the family gathering. Avery’s perspective offers contrast to the Thorn family’s dynamics and adds depth to Adam’s world.
Character Traits
| Character Name | Key Traits |
|---|---|
| Adam Thorn | Sensitive, resilient, introspective, loving |
| Angela Thorn | Loyal, honest, witty, supportive |
| Enzo | Compassionate, patient, affirming |
| Linus | Conflicted, secretive, passionate, vulnerable |
| Marty Thorn | Competitive, religious, conforming, distant |
| Nathan Thorn | Authoritative, rigid, traditional, conflicted |
| Mrs. Thorn | Compassionate, conflicted, nurturing, anxious |
| Robbie | Playful, humorous, easygoing, supportive |
| The Queen | Restless, vengeful, searching, powerful |
| The Faun | Mysterious, wise, empathetic, transformative |
| Eddie | Innocent, victimized, lost, tragic |
| Bob | Overbearing, inappropriate, dismissive |
| Avery | Observant, neutral, open-minded |
Character Background
| Character Name | Background Summary |
|---|---|
| Adam Thorn | Raised in a strict evangelical household in Washington State. Adam must conceal his sexuality from his family and church community. |
| Angela Thorn | Comes from a less religious background, giving her freedom to support Adam unconditionally. |
| Enzo | Background largely unexplored, but implied to be more accepting and comfortable with his sexuality than Adam. |
| Linus | Struggles with his sexual identity and societal expectations, leading to secrecy and heartbreak. |
| Marty Thorn | Embraces the family’s religious principles, positioning himself as the favored child. |
| Nathan Thorn | Deeply invested in his pastoral role and the image of a perfect Christian family. |
| Mrs. Thorn | Torn between her faith and her love for Adam; tries to protect her son from her husband’s disapproval. |
| Robbie | Has an easygoing family and social life; functions as comic relief and a contrast to Adam’s struggles. |
| The Queen | A spirit from local legend; inhabits Eddie’s body and seeks closure from her own tragic story. |
| The Faun | A supernatural figure with ambiguous origins; mediates the Queen’s journey and mirrors Adam’s need for guidance. |
| Eddie | A local teenage girl whose murder shocks the community and catalyzes the Queen’s return. |
| Bob | Middle-aged store manager who represents the external, everyday challenges Adam faces as a working teenager. |
| Avery | A cousin who visits for the family gathering, offering a slightly removed perspective on the Thorn family’s tensions. |
Character Arcs
| Character Name | Starting Point | Transformation/Arc | End Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Thorn | Struggling with self-acceptance and family rejection | Learns to assert his identity, confronts past love, and accepts his worth independent from family approval. | Gains self-confidence and emotional closure. |
| Angela Thorn | Adam’s confidant, somewhat cynical | Stands by Adam during his crises, encourages him to face difficult truths, and supports his decisions. | Remains loyal friend, more understanding. |
| Enzo | Supportive boyfriend, somewhat on the periphery | Encourages Adam’s growth, provides emotional anchor during turmoil. | Relationship with Adam deepens in trust. |
| Linus | Closeted, unresolved relationship with Adam | Faces Adam at the gathering, admits his fears, and accepts the ending of their relationship. | Moves on, allowing Adam to heal. |
| Marty Thorn | Distant, judgmental brother | Begins to question his own beliefs as Adam confronts the family. | Relationship with Adam remains tense, but cracks show. |
| Nathan Thorn | Strict, emotionally distant father | Forced to confront the cost of his rigidity; loses some control over Adam. | Remains unchanged, but Adam’s independence grows. |
| Mrs. Thorn | Torn between husband and son | Quietly supports Adam, offers subtle comfort. | Slightly more assertive in her love for Adam. |
| Robbie | Carefree, comic relief | Supports Adam during emotional moments. | Remains supportive and lighthearted. |
| The Queen | Restless spirit seeking release | Rediscovers her own humanity through Eddie’s experience. | Achieves closure and departs the mortal world. |
| The Faun | Mysterious guide | Guides the Queen through her journey, assists in her transformation. | Fades from the story as the Queen departs. |
| Eddie | Murder victim, lost soul | Her spirit is used by the Queen; her story becomes one of release and peace. | Finds peace as the Queen moves on. |
| Bob | Overbearing boss | Continues to create challenges but becomes less significant as Adam grows. | Adam’s development overshadows Bob’s influence. |
| Avery | Neutral observer | Observes family conflict, offers quiet support. | Returns to the background, unchanged. |
Relationships
| Relationship Pair | Nature of Relationship | Key Dynamics and Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Adam & Angela | Best friends | Honest, loyal, emotionally intimate; Angela challenges and supports Adam unconditionally. |
| Adam & Enzo | Romantic partners | Enzo provides acceptance and stability; helps Adam grow in confidence and self-worth. |
| Adam & Linus | Former lovers | Adam struggles to let go; Linus’s presence triggers unresolved feelings and personal growth. |
| Adam & Marty | Sibling rivalry | Competitive, tense; Marty’s religious conformity contrasts Adam’s search for authenticity. |
| Adam & Nathan (father) | Father-son | Fraught with conflict over sexuality and faith; Adam ultimately asserts independence. |
| Adam & Mrs. Thorn | Mother-son | Complex, loving but strained by religious expectations; Mrs. Thorn offers quiet support. |
| Adam & Robbie | Friends | Robbie adds humor; provides support without judgment. |
| Adam & The Queen | Thematic parallel | Both seek release from pain and constraint; their journeys mirror and inform each other. |
| The Queen & The Faun | Guide-mentee | The Faun helps the Queen come to terms with her existence and find peace. |
| The Queen & Eddie | Possession | The Queen uses Eddie’s body to resolve unfinished business; their stories intertwine. |
| Angela & Robbie | Romantic partners | Supportive, fun, and easygoing; offers contrast to Adam’s tumultuous relationships. |
| Marty & Nathan | Father-son | Marty’s conformity is rewarded, reinforcing Nathan’s authority and traditionalism. |
| Nathan & Mrs. Thorn | Spouses | Mrs. Thorn’s quiet resistance contrasts Nathan’s rigidity; their partnership is strained. |
| Adam & Bob | Boss-employee | Tense and uncomfortable; Bob’s authority is challenged as Adam matures. |
| Adam & Avery | Cousins | Avery provides an outsider’s perspective, highlighting family dynamics. |
In-Depth Character Analysis
Adam Thorn
Overview
Adam’s story, unfolding over a single day, is a journey toward self-realization and emotional liberation. He stands at the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood, grappling with his sexuality, religious upbringing, and the need for acceptance.
Key Traits
Adam is introspective, sensitive, and deeply affected by those around him. His longing for affection is compounded by the lack of unconditional love from his family, particularly his father.
Background
Growing up in a conservative Christian household, Adam has always felt like an outsider. His father’s role as a pastor adds pressure to conform, making Adam’s coming out fraught with risk.
Arc
Adam’s arc is one of painful growth. He learns to separate his self-worth from external approval, especially from his father and Linus. By the end of the novel, Adam has chosen to embrace his identity, prioritizing his own happiness and truth.
Relationships
Adam’s relationship with Angela is foundational—she is his safe haven. With Enzo, Adam finds hope for a future unburdened by shame. Linus represents the past and the pain of hiding; their final encounter allows Adam to let go. Adam’s interactions with his family, especially his father and brother, are marked by conflict and, ultimately, a necessary separation.
Angela Thorn
Overview
Angela is Adam’s anchor. Her wit and loyalty provide Adam with the strength to face life’s challenges. She is a foil to Adam’s more serious nature, offering levity and perspective.
Key Traits
She is unflinchingly honest and fiercely protective of Adam. Her directness helps Adam see situations clearly, even when it hurts.
Arc
Angela’s arc is subtle. Through supporting Adam, she also learns the value of vulnerability and the importance of chosen family.
Relationships
Her relationship with Robbie is light and fun. She maintains a balance between supporting Adam and maintaining her own identity.
Enzo
Overview
Enzo’s role is that of a stabilizing force. He is gentle and patient, encouraging Adam’s growth.
Key Traits
He is emotionally mature, understanding, and affectionate. He appreciates Adam’s complexity and respects his journey.
Arc
Enzo’s arc is tied to Adam’s. As Adam grows, so does their relationship, moving toward greater intimacy and trust.
Linus
Overview
Linus is the embodiment of Adam’s unresolved pain. He is both a source of longing and a reminder of the consequences of fear and secrecy.
Key Traits
Linus is conflicted, passionate, and ultimately unable to accept himself publicly.
Arc
Linus’s arc is about acceptance—of himself and the reality that he and Adam cannot be together. Their final interaction brings closure.
Marty Thorn
Overview
Marty is both a rival and a cautionary figure. He represents what Adam could become if he chose conformity over authenticity.
Key Traits
Marty is dutiful, competitive, and religiously devout.
Arc
Though Marty remains largely unchanged, Adam’s assertiveness prompts Marty to question, if only briefly, the rigidity of their upbringing.
Nathan Thorn
Overview
Adam’s father is a symbol of authority and tradition. His inability to accept Adam’s sexuality is a major source of Adam’s pain.
Key Traits
He is rigid, dogmatic, and emotionally distant.
Arc
Nathan’s arc is static—he struggles to accept Adam, and their relationship is left unresolved, highlighting the reality of familial estrangement.
Mrs. Thorn
Overview
Adam’s mother is caught between her son and her husband. Her love for Adam is real but constrained by her beliefs.
Key Traits
She is nurturing, anxious, and quietly supportive.
Arc
She becomes slightly more assertive, offering Adam small gestures of acceptance.
Robbie
Overview
Robbie is a source of joy and levity. His easygoing nature serves as a contrast to the intensity of Adam’s inner life.
Key Traits
He is funny, supportive, and caring.
Arc
Robbie remains consistent, providing a reminder that friendship and fun are essential even in hard times.
The Queen (Ghost)
Overview
The Queen’s supernatural journey is a metaphor for Adam’s. She is stuck between worlds, seeking closure.
Key Traits
She is powerful, vengeful, and ultimately yearning for release.
Arc
Through her journey, the Queen rediscovers humanity and empathy, mirroring Adam’s own search for belonging.
The Faun
Overview
The Faun guides the Queen, representing the wisdom and mystery of change.
Key Traits
He is enigmatic, wise, and compassionate.
Arc
The Faun’s role is to facilitate transformation, both for the Queen and thematically for Adam.
Eddie
Overview
Eddie is the unsuspecting vessel for the Queen’s spirit. Her murder is the catalyst for the supernatural plot.
Key Traits
She is innocent, lost, and tragic.
Arc
Eddie’s story is one of posthumous peace, as the Queen’s journey allows her spirit to find rest.
Bob
Overview
Bob embodies the mundane difficulties of Adam’s life. He is a reminder that coming of age includes dealing with authority and inappropriate behavior.
Key Traits
He is overbearing and dismissive.
Arc
As Adam matures, Bob’s significance in his life diminishes.
Avery
Overview
Avery is an observer, offering a view of family dynamics from the periphery.
Key Traits
He is neutral and open-minded.
Arc
Avery remains unchanged, but his presence underscores the charged atmosphere of the Thorn family.
Synthesis: Character Interactions and Thematic Relevance
| Thematic Element | Character(s) Involved | Description of Interaction/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Acceptance | Adam, Linus, Enzo | Adam’s journey is mirrored by Linus’s struggle and Enzo’s acceptance; together, they explore the spectrum of self-love. |
| Family and Belonging | Adam, Marty, Nathan, Mrs. Thorn | The Thorn family embodies the conflict between unconditional love and ideological rigidity. |
| Friendship and Loyalty | Adam, Angela, Robbie | True friendship is shown as a source of strength and resilience. |
| Transformation and Release | Adam, The Queen, The Faun | The parallel narratives of Adam and the Queen highlight the universal need for acceptance and transformation. |
| Loss and Closure | Adam, Linus, The Queen, Eddie | Characters must confront loss to achieve closure, be it through letting go of relationships or finding peace in death. |
| Authority and Resistance | Adam, Nathan, Bob | Adam’s resistance to authority figures marks his path to independence. |
Conclusion
"Release" by Patrick Ness is a nuanced exploration of adolescence, identity, and the search for acceptance. The characters, both human and supernatural, are intricately drawn and serve as mirrors for each other’s struggles and triumphs. Adam Thorn’s journey, set against a backdrop of family tension, lost love, and supernatural parallel, is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The interplay between realism and allegory heightens the novel’s impact, making the character dynamics and arcs essential to understanding its themes of release, self-discovery, and the courage to live authentically.
