Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Living… in a cozy home with her family in Squahamish, Washington. Unlike other residents of this small town who seem content with where they are, Aster feels stifled living under the roof of her strict father who is a preacher.
Profession… student at Squahamish High School. Everyone seems to know Aster for her good looks and other girls clamor to be seen with her, but she doesn’t feel seen for who she really is. She also serves part-time as a waitress. Yet another role in which she seems overlooked.
Interests… reading and art. One of her favorite books is Remains of the Day. She also expresses an interest in art. However, Aster doesn’t feel confident enough to make the bold strokes that she was once told make a painting great.
Relationship Status… dating Trig. Coming from a wealthy family in Squahamish, Trig has charmed everyone in this little town, including Aster’s strict father. Missing from this idyllic picture is a happy girlfriend, which goes completely unnoticed by Trig. Ellie feels used by Trig and the others at her school, feeling that no one cares about her other than her looks. As Aster says, "When you’re a pretty girl, people want to give you things. What they really want is to make you like them."
Challenge… self-discovery. From being a preacher’s daughter, to a perfect girlfriend, to being put on a pedestal as the pretty girl at school, Aster has put her own needs aside. But things are starting to change, as Ellie has started receiving the most beautiful and thoughtful love letters from another student named Paul. It’s hard to believe they are coming from Paul because he doesn’t seem very deep at school. Nevertheless, Ellie is enjoying receiving the letters—and perhaps she is enjoying writing back even more. It’s giving her a chance to find her voice and finally start to understand what she wants out of life. And it’s definitely not Trig.
Personality… reserved, thoughtful, and intellectual. Despite the attention that Aster gets, she keeps much of her personality hidden as she hasn’t found anyone amongst her peers or in her family who would take the time to appreciate her bookish side.
