"The Absolute Value of Mike" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Absolute Value of Mike" by Kathryn Erskine, Mike is the main character and protagonist. He is a teenager who is struggling to find his place in the world and navigate the challenges of high school.

Character Descriptions

• Mike: Mike is a high school student who is described as being smart but socially awkward. He is passionate about math and loves solving complex equations. However, he struggles with communication and often feels like an outsider.
• Andrew: Andrew is Mike's older brother who is popular and athletic. He is often seen as the golden child and is admired by many. Despite their differences, Andrew cares for Mike and tries to help him navigate the challenges of high school.
• Julia: Julia is Mike's younger sister who is creative and artistic. She often provides support and encouragement to Mike, helping him to see things from a different perspective.
• Mom: Mike's mom is a caring and supportive parent who wants the best for her children. She encourages Mike to pursue his passion for math and provides him with emotional support.
• Dad: Mike's dad is a hardworking and practical man who wants Mike to focus on his studies and be successful.
• Mr. Baker: Mr. Baker is Mike's math teacher who recognizes Mike's talent and encourages him to participate in a prestigious math competition. He believes in Mike's abilities and pushes him to reach his full potential.
• Mrs. Greer: Mrs. Greer is Mike's English teacher who challenges him to improve his communication skills and express himself more effectively. She sees potential in Mike and encourages him to explore his creative side.
• Tschick: Tschick is Mike's best friend who is new to the school. He is initially seen as an outsider, much like Mike, but the two form a strong bond. Tschick helps Mike come out of his shell and experience new things.
• Emily: Emily is a fellow student who Mike has a crush on. She is kind and compassionate, and her friendship gives Mike a sense of belonging.
• Coach: Coach is Mike's basketball coach who encourages him to join the team. Through basketball, Mike learns important life lessons about teamwork and perseverance.

Character Traits

• Mike: Intelligent, socially awkward, passionate, determined.
• Andrew: Popular, athletic, caring, supportive.
• Julia: Creative, artistic, supportive, empathetic.
• Mom: Caring, supportive, encouraging.
• Dad: Hardworking, practical, focused.
• Mr. Baker: Encouraging, supportive, believes in Mike's abilities.
• Mrs. Greer: Challenging, supportive, sees potential in Mike.
• Tschick: Outgoing, adventurous, supportive, helps Mike come out of his shell.
• Emily: Kind, compassionate, friendly.
• Coach: Motivating, teaches life lessons.

Character Background

Mike comes from a loving and supportive family. He has always been passionate about math and spends much of his time solving complex equations. However, his social awkwardness and difficulty communicating with others have led to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Mike's older brother, Andrew, is popular and athletic, which further highlights Mike's sense of inadequacy.

Character Arcs

Throughout the book, Mike undergoes significant character development. Initially, he is socially isolated and struggles to make connections with his peers. However, as he forms a friendship with Tschick, he begins to come out of his shell and experience new things. Mike also discovers his talent for creative writing, thanks to the guidance of Mrs. Greer, which helps him express himself and gain confidence. By the end of the book, Mike has transformed from a socially awkward teenager into a more confident and self-assured young adult.

Relationships

• Mike and Andrew: Mike's relationship with his older brother is complex. While they have their differences, Andrew ultimately cares for Mike and tries to support him.
• Mike and Julia: Mike and Julia have a close sibling bond, and Julia often provides emotional support to Mike.
• Mike and Mom: Mike's relationship with his mom is loving and supportive. She encourages him to pursue his passion for math and provides emotional guidance.
• Mike and Dad: Mike's relationship with his dad is more distant, as his father is focused on practical matters and success. However, his dad ultimately wants the best for Mike.
• Mike and Mr. Baker: Mr. Baker recognizes Mike's talent and pushes him to participate in a math competition, fostering a mentor-student relationship.
• Mike and Mrs. Greer: Mrs. Greer challenges Mike to improve his communication skills and helps him discover his passion for creative writing.
• Mike and Tschick: Tschick becomes Mike's best friend and helps him come out of his shell. Their friendship allows Mike to experience new adventures and gain confidence.
• Mike and Emily: Mike develops a crush on Emily, and her friendship gives him a sense of belonging and acceptance.
• Mike and Coach: Coach encourages Mike to join the basketball team and teaches him important life lessons about teamwork and perseverance. Their relationship helps Mike grow both on and off the court.

In conclusion, "The Absolute Value of Mike" by Kathryn Erskine explores the journey of Mike, a socially awkward teenager, as he navigates the challenges of high school, discovers his talents, and forms meaningful relationships. Through his character arc, Mike learns to overcome his social isolation and find his place in the world. The book highlights the importance of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of embracing one's passions.