NVLMG characters Flashcards
Kathy H
Kathy is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. She is a “carer,” a role in which she looks after organ donors. Reflective and empathetic, Kathy shares her memories of growing up at Hailsham, a boarding school for clones. As a clone herself, Kathy’s purpose in life is to eventually donate her organs. She is deeply introspective and forms strong bonds with her friends, especially Tommy and Ruth.
Tommy
Tommy is one of Kathy’s closest friends and later becomes her romantic interest. At Hailsham, he is known for his temper tantrums and is often teased by other students. However, he has a good heart and is sensitive, particularly to the emotional undercurrents in their lives as clones. Tommy struggles to understand his place in the world but ultimately accepts his fate as an organ donor.
Ruth
Ruth is Kathy’s best friend, but their relationship is often complicated by jealousy and manipulation. Ambitious and assertive, Ruth strives to fit in and maintain a sense of control over her life, even in the face of the inevitable fate that awaits all clones. Despite her flaws, Ruth eventually redeems herself by encouraging Kathy and Tommy’s relationship in the final stages of her life.
Miss Lucy
Miss Lucy is one of the guardians (teachers) at Hailsham who believes the students should be told the full truth about their fate as clones and future organ donors. Her bluntness and moral stance make her stand out from the other guardians, as she wants the children to understand the harsh reality they will face.
Miss Emily
Miss Emily is the head guardian at Hailsham and represents the authority of the institution. She believes in shielding the students from the knowledge of their future to preserve their innocence, yet she also champions the arts as a way to prove that clones have souls. Her complex moral stance becomes clearer toward the end of the novel.
Madame (Marie Claude)
Madame is an outsider who visits Hailsham to collect the students’ artwork for an unknown purpose, later revealed to be part of a campaign to demonstrate that clones have human-like creativity and emotions. Although she appears distant and uncomfortable around the students, her actions stem from a desire to advocate for their humanity.
