Conner
Conner is a 17 year old troubled “rich kid” that is known to all of his peers as a “ladies man”. Conner has the “poster family” and is someone that is seen as handsome, athletic and smart. He is someone who worships sexual relationships, despite sometimes being with the wrong people. While in school, Conner had an intimate relationship with one of his teachers forcing that teacher to quit her job and face charges. Once the word got out about that, Conner lost his girlfriend Emily that he had been with for years prior. Despite Conners sneaking around and urge for sexual activity, Conner claims to have loved Emily and was heartbroken when she decided to leave him. Conner was unable to cope with all of the lack of attention in his life from girls, family and friends and decided to shoot himself. Conner deals with his inner struggles of depression, trying to please everyone and his attraction to older woman. Conner thankfully missed any major organs in his body and hit his ribcage instead making his life possible once again. Conner is thankful that he didn’t end his life that day, and lives everyday in the Aspen Springs hospital grateful that he is alive. Conner still struggles with sexual tendencies inside the hospital, and pictures these acts with his councillor. Although, Conner builds a strong relationship with Vanessa that may result in a strong bonding partnership outside of the hospital. It surprises me that Conner no longer thinks about his suicidal thoughts, or struggles with memories of the day he shot himself. Conner has a strong support system at home, hoping that he will come back and be happy again. Conner is someone in this novel that I have high hopes for in terms of long term, relationships and success stories although he is the most depressed protagonist of them all.
Emily bell-ross 