Character Analysis: Cleo and Kara in "Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner"
This page provides an in-depth analysis of the two main characters in the play "Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner": Cleo Fuller and Kara. The character descriptions offer insights into their personalities, backgrounds, and roles within the narrative.
Cleo Fuller
Cleo Fuller is a complex and multifaceted character central to the play. She is described as a young black woman who is mixed-race, as mentioned on page 14. Cleo's character embodies several key traits:
Highlight: Cleo is portrayed as passionate, vocal, and unafraid to express her opinions, particularly when addressing issues of racial inequality and cultural appropriation.
Her intelligence is evident in her ability to critically analyze societal issues and form well-constructed arguments. Cleo's popularity is noted, with references to her being widely admired in both primary and secondary school.
Quote: "had literally everyone a crush on her" (p. 35)
Cleo's character also includes elements of complexity:
- She is described as having gone through a "hoe phase" (p. 36)
- Her sexuality is identified as homosexual (p. 46)
- She is resilient, speaking her mind and fighting for her identity
As the owner of the social media account @INCONEGRO, Cleo is a significant influencer with 25 million followers. This position brings her both attention and criticism, including hate messages.
Highlight: Cleo's public persona often emphasizes materialism, beauty, and shallowness, reflecting consumer-driven culture.
Her character displays confidence and self-assurance, particularly in her unapologetic admiration for Kylie Jenner. However, this is contrasted with hints of insecurity, especially regarding her body image.
Example: Cleo is described as hating her body and feeling insecure (p. 3)
Cleo's personality is further characterized by sarcasm, a choleric temperament, and a tendency to be self-absorbed and defensive, especially when her admiration for Kylie Jenner is challenged.
Kara
Kara serves as a foil and close friend to Cleo in the play. Her character is defined by several key attributes:
Highlight: Kara is portrayed as articulate and fun, using her communication skills to convey her thoughts effectively.
As Cleo's childhood friend, Kara plays a supportive role, offering advice and care. However, their relationship is not without complications:
Quote: "thinks her friendship isn't free of judgement" (p. 24)
Kara's character is marked by a sense of helplessness and class behavior issues. Importantly, it is revealed that she is secretly in love with Cleo, adding depth to their dynamic.
Highlight: Kara is described as caring deeply about Cleo and providing her with advice (p. 62)
In contrast to Cleo's confidence, Kara is characterized as envious and unconfident. She occasionally engages in smoking hash (p. 80), suggesting a rebellious or coping aspect to her personality.
The play hints at Kara's academic achievements, noting that she won a scholarship in 2017 (p. 67).
Highlight: The contrast between Cleo and Kara's characters drives much of the play's tension and exploration of themes related to identity, friendship, and social media influence.
This character analysis provides insight into the complex personalities and relationships that form the core of "Seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner", offering a foundation for deeper exploration of the play's themes and narrative structure.
