"Violent Ends" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Violent Ends" by Kendare Blake, the story revolves around Kirby Matheson, a high school student who carries out a school shooting. The book is unique in that it is written from the perspective of seventeen different characters who were either directly or indirectly affected by Kirby's actions. Each character provides their own account of the events leading up to and following the shooting, giving the reader a multifaceted understanding of the tragedy.

Character Descriptions

Kirby Matheson

Kirby Matheson is the central character of the book and the one responsible for the school shooting. He is described as an intelligent and introverted teenager who keeps to himself. Kirby is depicted as having a troubled home life and being prone to feelings of isolation and anger.

Sarah McHale

Sarah McHale is Kirby's love interest and one of the few people who truly sees him for who he is. She is a compassionate and caring individual, always looking out for others. Sarah is portrayed as a popular and outgoing girl who is well-liked by her peers.

Liam McHale

Liam McHale is Sarah's older brother and becomes a central figure in the aftermath of the shooting. He is depicted as a protective and loyal brother who struggles with his own guilt and grief.

Amber Crowe

Amber Crowe is a classmate of Kirby's who becomes an unexpected ally. She is portrayed as a rebellious and misunderstood girl who sees beyond Kirby's troubled exterior.

Jake Connelly

Jake Connelly is a close friend of Kirby's who becomes conflicted and torn between his loyalty to Kirby and his own moral compass. He is depicted as a thoughtful and introspective individual.

Alex Trevino

Alex Trevino is another friend of Kirby's who struggles with his own guilt and conflicted emotions following the shooting. He is portrayed as a sensitive and empathetic person.

Emily Davis

Emily Davis is a classmate who was injured in the shooting. She becomes a symbol of resilience and strength as she navigates her physical and emotional recovery.

Mikey Kostelik

Mikey Kostelik is a jock and popular student who initially struggles to understand the motivations behind Kirby's actions. He represents the voice of the majority who struggle to comprehend the complexities of the tragedy.

Claire Evans

Claire Evans is a teacher at the school who becomes a source of support and guidance for the students in the aftermath of the shooting. She is depicted as a compassionate and dedicated educator.

Dylan Anderson

Dylan Anderson is a classmate of Kirby's who becomes consumed by anger and revenge following the shooting. He represents the darker side of the tragedy, showcasing the potential for further violence and destruction.

Character Traits

Kirby Matheson is characterized by his introversion, anger, and feelings of isolation. He is highly intelligent but struggles to connect with others and express his emotions in a healthy manner. Sarah McHale, on the other hand, is portrayed as compassionate, caring, and outgoing. She serves as a counterbalance to Kirby, representing the potential for empathy and understanding.

Liam McHale embodies loyalty and protectiveness, always looking out for his sister and struggling with his own guilt over not recognizing Kirby's pain. Amber Crowe is rebellious and independent, unafraid to challenge societal norms and see beyond appearances. Jake Connelly and Alex Trevino both demonstrate empathy and internal conflict, grappling with their own emotions and loyalties.

Emily Davis showcases resilience and strength in the face of adversity, while Mikey Kostelik represents the struggle to comprehend the tragedy from a more conventional perspective. Claire Evans embodies the role of a compassionate teacher, providing support and guidance to the students. Finally, Dylan Anderson represents the potential for anger and revenge, showcasing the darker side of the human psyche.

Character Background

Kirby Matheson comes from a troubled home, with an absent father and a mother who struggles with addiction. This background contributes to his feelings of anger and isolation. Sarah McHale is portrayed as coming from a stable and loving family, which contrasts with Kirby's upbringing.

The backgrounds of the supporting characters are explored to varying degrees throughout the book, providing insights into their motivations and perspectives. Each character has their own unique background, which influences their reactions to the shooting and their relationships with others.

Character Arcs

Kirby Matheson's character arc follows his journey from a troubled and isolated individual to a perpetrator of violence. The book explores the factors that contribute to his decision to carry out the school shooting, offering insight into the complexities of his character.

The supporting characters also experience their own arcs, with some grappling with guilt, grief, and the search for understanding. Sarah McHale's character arc involves coming to terms with her feelings for Kirby and dealing with the aftermath of the shooting. Liam McHale's arc focuses on his struggle with guilt and his efforts to understand and forgive Kirby.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "Violent Ends" are complex and multifaceted. Kirby and Sarah's relationship is at the center of the story, with Sarah being one of the few people who sees Kirby for who he truly is. Their bond is tested and strained by the events of the shooting.

The relationships between the supporting characters are explored through their individual perspectives and interactions. The book delves into the friendships and connections that exist within the high school community, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of these relationships in the face of tragedy.

Overall, "Violent Ends" offers a deep exploration of the characters' relationships, providing a nuanced understanding of their motivations and reactions to the school shooting.