"The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley" by Shaun David Hutchinson, the main character, Andrew Brawley, takes on the role of the protagonist. He is a teenage boy who has isolated himself in the hospital, where he works as a volunteer. The story revolves around Andrew's struggle to cope with his traumatic past and find a way to heal.

Character Descriptions

Andrew Brawley

Andrew Brawley is a young boy who has been living in the hospital for months. He wears a mask and scrubs, hiding his identity from everyone, including the staff. Andrew is haunted by his past, which is slowly revealed throughout the book. Physically, he is described as small and fragile, a result of the trauma he has experienced.

Rusty

Rusty is a patient in the hospital who becomes Andrew's love interest. He is described as having a quiet strength and a compassionate nature. Rusty is also dealing with his own personal struggles, and his connection with Andrew helps both of them find solace and understanding.

Lexi

Lexi is one of Andrew's few friends in the hospital. She is a teenage girl who is fighting cancer and has a strong spirit. Lexi is depicted as brave and outspoken, often providing support and encouragement to Andrew. She becomes a vital part of his journey towards healing.

Trevor

Trevor is another friend of Andrew's who is also a patient in the hospital. He is portrayed as a sarcastic and witty character who uses humor to cope with his own pain. Trevor's friendship brings a sense of camaraderie to Andrew's life, offering moments of levity in an otherwise heavy narrative.

Dr. Brown

Dr. Brown is Andrew's doctor in the hospital. He is presented as a caring and empathetic physician who genuinely wants to help Andrew. Dr. Brown plays a significant role in uncovering Andrew's past and guiding him towards acceptance and healing.

Nurse Will

Nurse Will is another supportive character in the hospital. He is depicted as a kind and understanding nurse who looks out for Andrew's well-being. Nurse Will's interactions with Andrew provide moments of comfort and reassurance throughout the story.

Jack and Diane

Jack and Diane are Andrew's deceased parents. Although they are not physically present in the story, their memory and impact on Andrew's life are constantly referenced. Their tragic death is a significant part of Andrew's past and has shaped his current circumstances.

Arnold

Arnold is a mentor figure in the hospital who helps Andrew navigate his emotions and find his own path towards healing. He is an older man who has experienced his own share of trauma and provides guidance and support to Andrew throughout the story.

Character Traits

Andrew Brawley is characterized by his resilience, empathy, and determination. Despite his own traumatic past, he shows compassion towards others and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He is also depicted as resourceful and intelligent, using his time in the hospital to learn and grow.

Rusty is described as kind, gentle, and understanding. He has a calming presence and is able to connect with Andrew on a deep emotional level. Rusty's strength lies in his ability to empathize and provide comfort to those around him.

Lexi demonstrates bravery, optimism, and a fierce spirit. Despite her own battle with cancer, she remains positive and supportive towards Andrew and others. Lexi's unwavering determination inspires Andrew to confront his own past and find hope for the future.

Trevor's character is defined by his wit, humor, and sarcasm. He uses his quick wit to cope with the pain and struggles of his own illness. Trevor's humor brings lightness to the story and serves as a reminder that laughter can be a powerful tool in healing.

Dr. Brown and Nurse Will are characterized by their compassion, empathy, and dedication to their patients. They provide a sense of stability and guidance for Andrew, offering support and understanding throughout his journey.

Character Background

Andrew Brawley's background is gradually revealed throughout the book. He survived a traumatic event that resulted in the death of his parents and left him physically and emotionally scarred. Andrew's guilt and grief have led him to isolate himself in the hospital, where he feels safe.

Rusty's background is also explored, revealing his struggles with his own family and personal demons. His connection with Andrew provides a source of strength and understanding for both characters.

Lexi, Trevor, Dr. Brown, and Nurse Will all have their own unique backgrounds and personal challenges, which are explored to varying degrees in the story. Each character's background contributes to their individual arcs and the overall narrative of the book.

Character Arcs

Andrew Brawley's character arc follows his journey from isolation and self-blame to acceptance and healing. Throughout the book, he gradually opens up to those around him, confronts his past, and finds the strength to move forward. Andrew's character development is marked by moments of self-discovery and realization.

Rusty's character arc revolves around his own struggles and his relationship with Andrew. As the story progresses, he learns to confront his own demons and find hope for the future. Rusty's connection with Andrew allows both characters to find solace and understanding.

Lexi, Trevor, Dr. Brown, and Nurse Will also undergo their own character arcs, each contributing to the overall theme of healing and personal growth.

Relationships

The relationships in "The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley" play a crucial role in the character development and emotional journey of the protagonist.

Andrew and Rusty's relationship serves as the central love story of the book. Their connection provides a source of comfort and understanding for both characters as they navigate their personal struggles and trauma.

Andrew's friendship with Lexi and Trevor offers a sense of camaraderie and support. These relationships provide moments of levity and laughter amidst the heavy subject matter of the story.

Dr. Brown and Nurse Will's relationships with Andrew are characterized by their compassion and dedication to his well-being. They serve as guiding figures in Andrew's healing process, offering support and understanding.

Overall, the relationships in the book highlight the importance of human connection and empathy in overcoming trauma and finding healing.