Justin's Relationships and Social Dynamics

Justin Foley's character is deeply influenced by his relationships with other key figures in "13 Reasons Why". These interactions reveal much about his personality and motivations.

Romantic Relationships

1. Jessica Davis:

   • Justin's on-and-off girlfriend throughout the story.
   • Their relationship is complicated by Justin's lie about Bryce raping Jessica.
   • Jessica eventually breaks up with Justin, devastating him.

2. Hannah Baker:

   • Justin was Hannah's first kiss and initial crush.
   • Their brief encounter leads to damaging rumors spread by Justin.
   • Hannah describes Justin as initially kind and funny, but his actions contribute significantly to her downfall.

Definition: On-and-off relationship - A romantic involvement characterized by repeated cycles of breaking up and getting back together.

Friendships and Conflicts

1. Clay Jensen:

   • Justin has a complex relationship with Clay, often threatening him to keep quiet about the tapes.
   • He tries to convince Clay that he's not as innocent as Hannah claims.

2. Bryce Walker:

   • Justin's loyalty to Bryce conflicts with his relationship with Jessica.
   • He protects Bryce by lying about Jessica's rape, showing the depth of their friendship and Justin's moral dilemma.

Highlight: Justin's relationships often put him in difficult moral positions, forcing him to choose between loyalty to friends and doing what's right.

Social Status and Popularity

Justin is described as popular with many friends. His athletic abilities and charismatic personality contribute to his social standing at Liberty High School.

Example: Justin's popularity is evident in his nicknames, such as "Justy", used by close friends like Jessica, Monty, and Bryce.

Justin's Impact and Character Development

Justin Foley's character arc in "13 Reasons Why" showcases significant development and impact on the overall narrative. His actions and decisions play a crucial role in the events that unfold throughout the story.

Impact on Hannah's Story

1. Initiating Hannah's Downfall:

   • What tape is Justin on in 13 Reasons Why? Justin appears on Cassette 1 - Side A and Cassette 5 - Side B.
   • His spreading of rumors about Hannah marks the beginning of her social and emotional decline.

2. Regret and Denial:

   • After Hannah's death, Justin struggles with guilt but also tries to discredit her story.
   • He labels Hannah as attention-seeking, reflecting his inability to fully confront his role in her suicide.

Quote: Justin describes Hannah as "a crazy drama queen who just killed herself for attention."

Character Growth and Moral Dilemmas

1. Protecting Jessica:

   • Justin's decision to lie about Bryce raping Jessica stems from a misguided attempt to protect her.
   • This choice haunts him and ultimately leads to the breakdown of their relationship.

2. Loyalty vs. Morality:

   • Justin constantly battles between his loyalty to friends like Bryce and doing what's morally right.
   • This internal conflict showcases the complexity of his character and the difficult choices he faces.

Highlight: Justin's character demonstrates how good intentions can lead to harmful consequences, illustrating the moral complexities faced by teenagers.

Substance Abuse and Personal Struggles

Justin's use of drugs and alcohol hints at deeper personal issues:

• His absence from school and substance abuse suggest a lack of stability in his life.
• These behaviors may be coping mechanisms for the guilt and stress he experiences.

Example: Justin's intoxication and missing school days indicate his struggle to cope with the consequences of his actions and his difficult home life.

Justin's Legacy in the Story

While Justin foley book doesn't exist as a standalone work, his character in "13 Reasons Why" leaves a lasting impact:

• He represents the complexities of teenage relationships and the far-reaching consequences of seemingly small actions.
• His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of honesty and the dangers of prioritizing social status over moral integrity.

Vocabulary: Character arc - The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a narrative.