"Virals" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Kathy Reichs' "Virals," a group of teenagers known as the Virals takes center stage. Tory Brennan, the protagonist, leads the pack and embarks on thrilling adventures alongside her friends Ben Blue, Hi, Shelton, and Chance. Cooper, a wolf-dog hybrid with special powers, also plays a significant role in their escapades. Aunt Tempe, a renowned forensic anthropologist, serves as a mentor figure to Tory and the Virals.

Character Descriptions

1. Tory Brennan: Tory is a bright and resourceful teenager with a keen interest in science and forensics. She possesses a strong sense of justice and is not afraid to speak her mind. With her auburn hair and piercing blue eyes, Tory is both intelligent and attractive. She is known for her determination and courage, traits that make her a natural leader.
2. Ben Blue: Ben is a loyal and tech-savvy friend of Tory. With his shaggy brown hair and glasses, he has a nerdy and endearing appearance. Ben's computer hacking skills make him an invaluable member of the Virals. He is fiercely protective of his friends and will go to great lengths to keep them safe.
3. Hi: Hi, whose real name is Hiram Stolowitski, is a tech genius and a key member of the Virals. With his blonde hair and glasses, Hi may appear unassuming, but his intelligence and technological expertise are unmatched. He is always ready with a gadget or computer program to help solve problems.
4. Shelton: Shelton stands out with his tall and lanky frame, messy brown hair, and thick-framed glasses. He possesses an exceptional memory and an insatiable curiosity for scientific knowledge. Shelton often provides the group with crucial scientific insights and analytical thinking.
5. Chance: Chance is the athletic powerhouse of the Virals. With his muscular build and buzz-cut blonde hair, he exudes strength and fearlessness. Chance's physical prowess enables the group to overcome various challenges they encounter during their adventures.
6. Cooper: Cooper, a wolf-dog hybrid, is a beloved companion and integral member of the Virals. With his sleek black fur and piercing yellow eyes, he possesses a unique charm. Cooper's exposure to an experimental virus gives him extraordinary abilities, making him an invaluable asset to the group.
7. Aunt Tempe: Temperance Brennan, Tory's aunt, is a renowned forensic anthropologist who serves as a mentor figure to the Virals. With her short, brown hair and sharp intellect, she provides guidance and support, drawing from her own experiences in solving mysteries.

Character Traits

1. Tory Brennan: Intelligent, courageous, curious, determined, and a natural leader.
2. Ben Blue: Loyal, tech-savvy, protective, and resourceful.
3. Hi: Intelligent, tech genius, analytical, and resourceful.
4. Shelton: Exceptional memory, curious, scientific, and analytical.
5. Chance: Fearless, athletic, strong, and adventurous.
6. Cooper: Loyal, intelligent, extraordinary abilities, and protective.
7. Aunt Tempe: Intelligent, experienced, supportive, and knowledgeable.

Character Background

Tory Brennan, the niece of renowned forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. After the death of her mother, Tory moved in with her father, Kit Howard, who worked as a detective. Tory's exposure to her aunt's work sparked her interest in forensic science. Alongside her friends Ben Blue, Hi, Shelton, and Chance, Tory becomes part of a secret experiment involving a canine parvovirus and wolf DNA, which triggers their latent "powers." Together, they form the Virals and embark on thrilling adventures while unraveling mysteries and solving crimes.

Character Arcs

1. Tory Brennan: Throughout the "Virals" series, Tory's character arc revolves around her growth as a leader and her deepening understanding of her own abilities. Initially, Tory is a curious teenager with a passion for science, but as the series progresses, she becomes a confident and assertive young woman who embraces her role as the leader of the Virals.
2. Ben Blue: Ben's character arc focuses on his development as a reliable friend and valuable asset to the group. Initially hesitant and reserved, Ben learns to trust his instincts and fully commit to the Virals' mission. His computer hacking skills become crucial in solving mysteries, and he becomes an integral part of the team.
3. Hi: Hi's character arc centers around his growth as a tech genius and his evolving role within the Virals. Initially overshadowed by his friends' more apparent strengths, Hi discovers his true potential and becomes indispensable to the group with his technological expertise.
4. Shelton: Shelton's character arc revolves around his journey from being an introverted genius to a more confident and outgoing member of the Virals. As he develops friendships and gains confidence in his abilities, Shelton's scientific knowledge and analytical thinking become vital in unraveling complex mysteries.
5. Chance: Chance's character arc focuses on his transformation from a daredevil athlete to a more thoughtful and strategic member of the Virals. As he faces various challenges, Chance learns to balance his physical abilities with careful consideration, ultimately becoming an essential part of the team.
6. Cooper: As a canine companion, Cooper's character arc revolves around his exploration of his unique abilities and his loyalty to the Virals. Throughout the series, he plays a crucial role in protecting his friends and helps solve mysteries with his heightened senses and intelligence.

Relationships

1. Tory and Ben: Tory and Ben share a deep and loyal friendship. They trust each other implicitly and rely on one another during their adventures. Ben's unwavering support and technological skills complement Tory's leadership and curiosity.
2. Tory and Hi: Tory and Hi have a strong bond based on their shared passion for science and technology. Hi's intellect and technological expertise greatly assist Tory in solving mysteries, and together they form a formidable duo.
3. Tory and Shelton: Tory and Shelton's relationship is built on their mutual curiosity and scientific interests. Shelton's exceptional memory and scientific knowledge provide valuable insights, and Tory's leadership helps bring out Shelton's full potential.
4. Tory and Chance: Tory and Chance's friendship thrives on their shared sense of adventure and fearlessness. Chance's physical prowess and bravery complement Tory's strategic thinking, making them a well-rounded team.
5. Tory and Cooper: Tory's relationship with Cooper goes beyond friendship. Cooper is not only her loyal companion but also an integral part of the Virals. Their bond is based on trust, and Cooper's unique abilities play a crucial role in the group's success.
6. Tory and Aunt Tempe: Aunt Tempe serves as a mentor and guidance figure for Tory. Through her knowledge and experience in forensic anthropology, she provides Tory with valuable insights and support, helping her navigate the challenges they face.

In conclusion, Kathy Reichs' "Virals" introduces readers to a group of teenagers with unique abilities who embark on thrilling adventures. Tory Brennan and her friends form the Virals, using their individual strengths to solve mysteries and uncover secrets. As the series progresses, the characters undergo personal growth, forming deep bonds and embracing their roles within the group. With their combined skills and unwavering loyalty, the Virals prove to be a formidable team in the face of danger.