Hannah Baker's Character Analysis

This section provides an in-depth analysis of Hannah Baker's character based on pages 26-33 of "13 Reasons Why". It explores her personality traits, relationships, and the way she presents herself through the tapes she leaves behind.

Personality Traits

Hannah Baker exhibits a range of personality traits that contribute to her complex character:

1. Teasing and Strong-minded: Hannah's tendency to tease others, particularly Justin, demonstrates her strong-willed nature (p.26).

Example: Hannah makes fun of Justin, showcasing her playful yet assertive personality.

2. Manipulative and Guilt-inducing: Hannah uses rhetorical questions and indirect statements to trigger feelings of guilt in her listeners (p.32, p.33).

Quote: "Damn it, you were going to kiss the hell out of me whether you liked it or not" (p.30)

3. Observant and Analytical: Hannah's detailed comparisons between her old and new towns, as well as her analysis of her first kiss, reveal her keen observational skills (p.28).

4. Imaginative: Her vivid dreams and ability to put herself in her listeners' shoes demonstrate Hannah's strong imagination (p.29, p.33).

5. Overthinking and Direct: Hannah's numerous questions and need for answers show her tendency to overthink, while also highlighting her direct nature (p.31).

Highlight: Hannah's overthinking is evident in her detailed analysis of situations and her need for clarity.

6. Open and Honest: Despite her struggles, Hannah openly shares positive aspects of her interactions, such as Justin's kindness (p.33).

7. Self-ironic: Hannah uses self-irony to cope with misconceptions about her character (p.27).

Quote: "I know what you're all thinking. Hannah Baker is a slut. [...]" (p.27)

8. Homesick and Nostalgic: Hannah often thinks about her old town, indicating feelings of homesickness (p.28).

9. Expressive: Hannah's inability to control her facial expressions when happy shows her open nature (p.31).

Relationships

Hannah's relationships are complex and often guarded:

1. Difficult relationship with her mother due to lack of trust (p.26).
2. Keeps friends at a distance, using teasing as a defense mechanism (p.26).
3. Opens up more in the tapes, knowing she has nothing to lose (p.33).

Hannah's Portrayal Through the Tapes

The tapes reveal additional aspects of Hannah's character:

1. Anger: Clay notices Hannah's anger while recording the tapes (p.28).
2. Vulnerability: Hannah shares more personal information in the tapes than she did in life.
3. Manipulation: She uses the tapes to control her narrative and influence her listeners' emotions.

Vocabulary: Rhetorical questions - Questions asked for effect or to emphasize a point, rather than to elicit an answer.

This analysis provides insight into Hannah Baker's personality type, revealing a complex individual struggling with internal conflicts and external pressures. Her character raises important questions about perception, guilt, and the impact of seemingly small actions on a person's life.