The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

List of Characters

Role Identification

Jessica Carlisle

As the protagonist of the story, Jessica Carlisle is the central character whose journey forms the core of the narrative.

Fiona Doyle

Fiona is Jessica's best friend and provides essential support and companionship throughout the book.

Rosa

Rosa is a friend of Jessica who plays a significant role in her life after the accident.

Gavin

Gavin is Jessica's love interest and becomes an important part of her life as she navigates her new reality.

Coach Kyro

Coach Kyro serves as Jessica's track coach and a source of inspiration and motivation.

Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith is Jessica's teacher who impacts her life in various ways.

Mandy Meyer

Mandy is a teammate of Jessica on the track team and offers a different perspective on Jessica's journey.

Character Descriptions

Jessica Carlisle

Jessica is a determined and passionate runner who faces a life-altering event when she gets involved in a car accident, leading to the amputation of her leg. She is resilient and confronts the challenges that come with her new reality.

Fiona Doyle

Fiona is a supportive and empathetic friend who stands by Jessica through her difficult times. She is an important pillar of strength for Jessica.

Rosa

Rosa is a caring and understanding friend who helps Jessica navigate her new circumstances. She provides a different perspective on life and disability.

Gavin

Gavin is a kind and supportive character who becomes a love interest for Jessica. His presence adds a layer of complexity to Jessica's journey.

Coach Kyro

Coach Kyro is a mentor and coach to Jessica. He plays a crucial role in guiding and motivating her as she grapples with her physical and emotional challenges.

Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith is a teacher who influences Jessica's life in profound ways. His impact goes beyond the academic realm, shaping Jessica's perspective on her abilities and potential.

Mandy Meyer

Mandy is a teammate of Jessica on the track team. Her interactions with Jessica offer insights into the dynamics of friendship and competition.

Character Traits

Jessica Carlisle

• Determined
• Passionate
• Resilient
• Courageous
• Empathetic

Fiona Doyle

• Supportive
• Empathetic
• Loyal
• Understanding
• Encouraging

Rosa

• Caring
• Understanding
• Optimistic
• Patient
• Supportive

Gavin

• Kind
• Supportive
• Understanding
• Patient
• Encouraging

Coach Kyro

• Mentorship
• Motivational
• Supportive
• Encouraging
• Firm

Mr. Smith

• Influential
• Insightful
• Encouraging
• Inspirational
• Supportive

Mandy Meyer

• Competitive
• Supportive
• Encouraging
• Empathetic
• Determined

Character Background

Jessica Carlisle

Jessica was a dedicated and talented runner before the accident. Her life revolved around the track, and her identity was deeply intertwined with her passion for running. The accident forces her to confront a new reality and reevaluate her sense of self.

Fiona Doyle

Fiona and Jessica have been friends for years, and their bond is rooted in shared experiences and mutual understanding. Fiona's background is closely linked to Jessica's, and their friendship serves as a crucial support system for Jessica.

Rosa

Rosa and Jessica's friendship develops after the accident. Rosa's background and experiences bring a different perspective to Jessica's life, offering new insights and challenges as Jessica navigates her changed circumstances.

Gavin

Gavin's background is distinct from Jessica's, and his introduction into her life brings a fresh dynamic. His understanding of Jessica's background and the accident shapes their evolving relationship.

Coach Kyro

Coach Kyro's background as a seasoned coach and mentor provides him with the experience and wisdom to guide Jessica through her journey. His background in athletics and mentorship influences his approach to supporting Jessica.

Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith's background as a teacher and mentor plays a significant role in shaping Jessica's outlook. His background in education and personal experiences contribute to his impact on Jessica's life.

Mandy Meyer

Mandy's background as a fellow athlete and teammate gives her a unique perspective on Jessica's journey. Her background in competitive sports influences her interactions with Jessica and the rest of the team.

Character Arcs

Jessica Carlisle

Jessica undergoes a profound character arc as she transitions from being a talented runner to navigating life with a disability. Her journey involves emotional and physical challenges, self-discovery, and redefining her identity beyond her athletic abilities.

Fiona Doyle

Fiona's character arc revolves around her unwavering support for Jessica and the evolution of their friendship in the face of adversity. Her journey involves understanding and adapting to Jessica's changing needs and circumstances.

Rosa

Rosa's character arc is intertwined with her friendship with Jessica and the impact of the accident on both of their lives. Her experiences and insights contribute to Jessica's growth and adaptation.

Gavin

Gavin's character arc is shaped by his relationship with Jessica and his understanding of her journey. His role as a source of support and understanding undergoes development as he navigates the complexities of Jessica's new reality.

Coach Kyro

Coach Kyro's character arc involves his role as a mentor and guide to Jessica. His journey centers on adapting his coaching approach to support Jessica's physical and emotional challenges and help her rediscover her passion for running.

Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith's character arc is marked by his impact on Jessica's life beyond the classroom. His journey involves providing guidance and encouragement to Jessica as she confronts her new reality and redefines her goals and aspirations.

Mandy Meyer

Mandy's character arc revolves around her interactions with Jessica and the dynamics of their relationship as teammates. Her journey involves understanding and adapting to Jessica's changed circumstances and offering support in the context of competitive sports.

Relationships

Jessica Carlisle and Fiona Doyle

The relationship between Jessica and Fiona is characterized by unwavering support, empathy, and understanding. Fiona's role as Jessica's best friend is pivotal in Jessica's journey of self-discovery and adaptation.

Jessica Carlisle and Rosa

Jessica and Rosa's relationship evolves as they navigate the aftermath of the accident. Rosa's perspective and support contribute to Jessica's growth and resilience in the face of adversity.

Jessica Carlisle and Gavin

Jessica's relationship with Gavin introduces a new dimension to her life post-accident. Gavin's understanding and encouragement play a significant role in Jessica's emotional journey and adaptation to her changed circumstances.

Jessica Carlisle and Coach Kyro

Coach Kyro's relationship with Jessica is rooted in mentorship, guidance, and motivation. His support and belief in Jessica's abilities are instrumental in her journey of rediscovering her passion for running.

Jessica Carlisle and Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith's relationship with Jessica extends beyond the academic realm, as he becomes a source of inspiration and encouragement. His impact on Jessica's life contributes to her personal and academic growth.

Jessica Carlisle and Mandy Meyer

Jessica's relationship with Mandy reflects the dynamics of competitive sports and friendship. Mandy's interactions with Jessica offer insights into the challenges and support systems within the context of athletics.

The characters in "The Running Dream" undergo significant growth and transformation, and their relationships play a crucial role in shaping their individual journeys. From Jessica's resilience to the unwavering support of her friends and mentors, the dynamics between the characters contribute to the depth and emotional resonance of the narrative.