BookBrief Logo
Speed
Goodreads ratings
4.51 / 5
Add to Your Library

Sign in to save this book to your reading lists

"Speed" Characters Analysis

A memoir of a woman's turbulent journey through love, addiction, and self-discovery.

Estimated read time: 6 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
B.B. EastonProtagonist
Harley JamesLove Interest
KenFriend
MomMother
DadFather

Role Identification

In the book "Speed" by B.B. Easton, the main character, B.B. Easton, takes on the role of the protagonist. She is a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Character Descriptions

B.B. Easton: B.B. Easton is a rebellious and free-spirited young woman. She is described as having a punk-rock style with colorful hair and tattoos. B.B. is known for her quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor.

Harley James: Harley James is the love interest of B.B. He is portrayed as a mysterious and brooding character with a rugged appearance. Harley is an enigma to B.B., which draws her towards him even more.

Ken: Ken is B.B.'s best friend. He is a loyal and supportive character who always has her back. Ken is portrayed as the voice of reason and serves as a grounding force for B.B. throughout her journey.

Mom: B.B.'s mother plays a significant role in the story. She is portrayed as a strict and overprotective parent who has high expectations for her daughter. Mom's character adds tension and conflict to B.B.'s journey.

Dad: B.B.'s father is portrayed as a laid-back and understanding character. He provides a sense of stability and serves as a contrast to her mother's strictness.

Character Traits

B.B. Easton: B.B. is characterized by her rebellious nature, quick wit, and sarcastic sense of humor. She is impulsive and often acts on her emotions without thinking of the consequences. B.B. is also determined and resilient, never giving up on her quest for self-discovery.

Harley James: Harley is depicted as mysterious, brooding, and emotionally guarded. He exudes an air of danger and intrigue, which adds to his allure. Despite his tough exterior, Harley is also sensitive and caring towards B.B.

Ken: Ken is characterized by his loyalty, level-headedness, and sense of humor. He acts as a voice of reason for B.B. and provides emotional support throughout her journey.

Mom: B.B.'s mother is portrayed as strict, overprotective, and judgmental. She has high expectations for her daughter and often clashes with B.B. due to their differing personalities.

Dad: B.B.'s father is depicted as easygoing, understanding, and supportive. He provides a sense of stability and serves as a source of comfort for B.B.

Character Background

B.B. Easton: B.B. grew up in a strict household and rebelled against her parents' expectations from an early age. She struggled with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to find her true identity. B.B. yearned for independence and to break free from the constraints of her upbringing.

Harley James: Harley's background is shrouded in mystery. He appears to have a troubled past and carries emotional baggage. His enigmatic nature draws B.B. towards him, as she is intrigued by his past and wants to uncover his secrets.

Ken: Ken has been B.B.'s best friend for years. He has always been there for her, providing support and guidance. Ken's background is not explored in depth in the story, but his loyalty and friendship play a crucial role in B.B.'s journey.

Mom: B.B.'s mother comes from a traditional and conservative background. She values conformity and struggles to understand her daughter's rebellious nature. Mom's background is not explicitly explored, but her strict parenting style suggests a desire to maintain control and order.

Dad: B.B.'s father is portrayed as a laid-back and understanding figure. He has a more relaxed approach to parenting and is more accepting of B.B.'s independent spirit. Dad's background is not extensively explored, but his character provides a contrast to B.B.'s mother.

Character Arcs

B.B. Easton: Throughout the book, B.B. undergoes a significant character arc. Initially, she is rebellious and lost, searching for her true identity. As the story progresses, B.B. learns to embrace her uniqueness and finds the strength to stand up for herself. She becomes more self-assured and confident, ultimately accepting herself for who she is.

Harley James: Harley's character arc is closely intertwined with B.B.'s journey. Initially guarded and distant, Harley gradually opens up to B.B. and allows himself to be vulnerable. His emotional growth comes as he learns to trust and let go of his past, allowing him to experience a genuine connection with B.B.

Ken: Ken's character arc is less pronounced compared to B.B. and Harley. However, he serves as a steady presence throughout the story, supporting B.B. in her journey of self-discovery. Ken remains a loyal friend, providing guidance and empathy whenever she needs it.

Mom: Mom's character arc revolves around her evolving relationship with B.B. Initially, she is portrayed as strict and judgmental, often clashing with her daughter. As the story progresses, Mom begins to understand and accept B.B.'s individuality, leading to a more nuanced and loving relationship between them.

Dad: Dad's character arc is relatively static throughout the book. However, his unwavering support and understanding provide a consistent source of stability and comfort for B.B. His presence underscores the importance of a nurturing and accepting parental figure in a young person's life.

Relationships

B.B. Easton's relationships with the other characters are integral to her character development and the overall narrative of the book.

  • B.B. and Harley: The relationship between B.B. and Harley is central to the story. Their connection is initially fueled by curiosity and attraction, but it evolves into a deeper emotional bond as they both open up to each other. Their relationship represents the transformative power of love and the ability to heal past wounds.
  • B.B. and Ken: B.B. and Ken share a strong friendship that withstands the ups and downs of B.B.'s journey. Ken provides emotional support and acts as a guiding force for B.B. throughout the story. Their relationship showcases the importance of having a loyal and understanding friend.
  • B.B. and Mom: B.B.'s relationship with her mother is fraught with tension and conflict. They clash due to their differing personalities and expectations. However, as the story progresses, their relationship evolves into a more understanding and loving dynamic, highlighting the complex nature of the mother-daughter bond.
  • B.B. and Dad: B.B. shares a close and loving relationship with her father. He serves as a source of stability and understanding in her life. Their relationship emphasizes the importance of a nurturing and supportive parental figure.

In conclusion, "Speed" by B.B. Easton provides a rich cast of characters with distinct roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. The character arcs of B.B., Harley, Ken, Mom, and Dad contribute to the overall narrative, exploring themes of self-discovery, love, friendship, and family dynamics.