Speak

By Justin Ehrenpreis

Author

Laurie Halse Anderson

Genre

Fiction novel

Setting

Syracuse, New York

Merrywether High School

By Justin Ehrenpreis

• Charactors

Melinda Sordino

Raped by Andy Evens

Doesn’t speak because emotionally hurt

Low self-esteem

Likes art/ Mr. Freeman

Has no friends

Symbolized as a tree

Feels safest in closet and art room

Mr. And Mrs. Sordino

Melinda’s parents

Not a close family

Communicates through sticky notes

Mom- “workaholic”

Mr. Freeman

Art teacher

Understands Melinda

“Hair Woman”

The English teacher

Rachael

Melinda’s ex-best friend

Dates Andy Evens and breaks up with him at prom

Ivy

Melinda’s friend from art class

Heather

New girl from Ohio

Melinda’s pseudo-friend

Joins the Martha’s

Her idol is Martha Stewart

Her mother is opposite from Melinda's mother

Mr. Neck

S.S. Teacher

Coach

Mean to Melinda

David Petrakis

Melinda’s lab partner

Stands up to Mr. Neck

Andy Evens

“IT”

Rapes Melinda

Bothers Melinda in ISS

Literary Terms

Symbolism- Tree Melinda

Flash Back- Melinda at party

Climax- talks to friends