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David Petrakis is a smart, confident and outspoken student in the book Speak. He is one of the few people who make an effort to understand the protagonist, Melinda, and offers her his support and encouragement throughout the story.
Ivy is a friendly and outgoing classmate of the protagonist, Melinda Sordino, in the book Speak. She is interested in fashion and boys and often tries to involve Melinda in her social activities, though Melinda struggles to relate to her and other classmates after suffering a traumatic experience over the summer.
Heather from Ohio is a new student at protagonist Melinda’s high school. She is initially friendly and eager to fit in with the popular crowd, but eventually becomes distant and judgmental towards Melinda.
Rachel Bruin is a popular and outgoing girl who is friendly to the protagonist, Melinda, in the book Speak. However, she is also shallow and unaware of the struggles Melinda is going through, making her insensitive at times.
Mr. Neck is the biology teacher at Merryweather High School in the book Speak. He is portrayed as a strict and no-nonsense type of teacher who is also very disciplined and professional in his teaching approach. He assigns a year-long group project to his students which becomes a major source of stress for the protagonist, Melinda, as she is struggling with some personal issues in her life.
Mr. Freeman is an art teacher in the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. He is a kind and understanding mentor to the protagonist, Melinda, and encourages her to express herself through her artwork. He often shares his own life experiences and uses them to connect with his students.
Melinda Sordino, the protagonist of Laurie Halse Anderson’s book Speak, is a freshman in high school who becomes almost entirely mute after experiencing a traumatic event over the summer. She struggles with PTSD and depression, becoming an outcast at school and rarely communicating with anyone.
Andy Evans is a high school senior and athlete who sexually assaults the protagonist, Melinda Sordino, at a party. He is shown to be manipulative and intimidating.
Hairwoman, also known as the school art teacher, is a kind and eccentric woman who encourages her students to express themselves creatively. She has wild and vibrant hair that she proudly displays as a symbol of her colorful personality.
