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.

Justin Foley: A Complex Character in "13 Reasons Why"

Justin Foley is a pivotal character in the novel "13 Reasons Why", playing a significant role in the events leading to Hannah Baker's suicide. This characterization explores Justin's multifaceted personality, relationships, and actions that make him a central figure in the story.

Highlight: Justin Foley is both a main character and a secondary antagonist, being the first and ninth reason for Hannah Baker's suicide.

Physical Appearance and Background

Justin is described as a 16-year-old male student at Liberty High School. He stands at 5'11" with brown hair and blue eyes, and is known for his athletic prowess in basketball and football.

Vocabulary: Secondary antagonist - A character who opposes the protagonist but is not the main villain of the story.

Family and Home Life

Justin's family situation is complex:

• His biological mother is Amber Foley, with an unknown father.
• He is later adopted by the Jensen family, becoming Clay Jensen's adoptive brother.
• There are hints of possible abuse in his original home, as noted by Coach Patrick.

Personality and Behavior

Justin's character is marked by contradictions:

1. He can be caring towards loved ones, especially Jessica.
2. He shows concern for his troubled mother.
3. However, he can also be arrogant, cruel, and short-tempered.
4. He struggles with substance abuse, indicating underlying issues.

Example: Justin's complex nature is evident in his relationship with Jessica, where he shows deep care but also makes grave mistakes in trying to protect her.

Role in Hannah's Story

Justin plays a crucial role in Hannah Baker's narrative:

• He is Hannah's first kiss and initial crush.
• What did Justin do to Hannah Baker? He spreads false rumors about their encounter, initiating Hannah's social downfall.
• After Hannah's death, he dismisses her as a "crazy drama queen" and a liar.

Quote: Hannah describes Justin as a "forbidden fruit", she doesn't miss but still wants a bite of.