Character Analysis

Cleo: The Protagonist

Cleo, the main character of Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner, is a complex and multifaceted individual:

• 21-year-old Black woman with dark skin • Heterosexual • Aggressive, stubborn, and impulsive • Struggles with self-image and feeling overshadowed by Kara

Highlight: Cleo's actions in the play stem from her anger about cultural appropriation and feelings of jealousy towards Kylie Jenner.

Kara: Cleo's Childhood Friend

Kara serves as a foil to Cleo's character:

• 22-year-old Black woman of mixed race • Queer • Calm and passive, avoiding attention • Considered beautiful by others and more concerned with public perception

Example: The contrast between Cleo and Kara is highlighted when they are treated differently at a party, with Cleo being dehumanized while Kara is admired.

Saartjie Baartman: Historical Reference

The play incorporates the historical figure of Saartjie Baartman:

• South African woman born in 1789 • Exploited and displayed in Europe in the early 19th century • Her remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2002

Definition: Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from another culture without proper understanding or respect for that culture.

Themes and Literary Devices

Exploration of Race and Identity

Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner delves deep into issues of race, colorism, and cultural appropriation:

• The play critiques the praise given to Kylie Jenner for features that are often mocked on Black women • It explores the concept of white privilege and its impact on society • The characters grapple with their own identities and experiences as Black women

Vocabulary: Colorism refers to discrimination based on skin tone, often within communities of color.

Social Media and Activism

The play incorporates social media as a central element:

• Cleo's Twitter thread serves as the catalyst for the story • The narrative explores both the power and dangers of online activism • It highlights how social media can amplify voices but also lead to harassment and doxxing

Example: The play shows how Cleo's thread quickly spirals out of control, leading to real-world consequences.

Language and Style

The playwright employs various linguistic and stylistic techniques:

• Use of internet slang and informal register to create authenticity • Incorporation of actual tweets and social media elements • Non-linear structure with flashbacks to provide context

Definition: Hate speech refers to abusive or threatening speech that expresses prejudice against a particular group.

Theatrical Elements and Context

Modern Theatre Techniques

Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner employs several modern theatrical techniques:

• Complex exploration of ordinary people's lives • Detailed and symbolic setting • Focus on individual will and freedom of choice • Use of prose, monologues, and dialogues • Direct audience address

Highlight: The play's structure and style reflect its contemporary themes and setting.

Historical and Cultural Context

The play draws connections between contemporary issues and historical injustices:

• References to Saartjie Baartman highlight the long history of exploitation of Black bodies • Exploration of how past traumas continue to impact present-day experiences • Critique of modern celebrity culture and its relationship to race and beauty standards

Quote: "Kara and Cleo praised her for helping them: making them feel like queens."

By interweaving these elements, Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner creates a powerful commentary on race, identity, and the complexities of navigating these issues in the digital age. The play challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about cultural appropriation, online activism, and the ongoing impact of historical injustices.

Overview of Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner

The play opens with Cleo's angry reaction to Kylie Jenner being named the youngest self-made billionaire. This prompts Cleo to start a Twitter thread outlining seven hypothetical methods of killing Jenner, each one critiquing aspects of cultural appropriation and racial injustice.

Highlight: The seven "methods" serve as metaphors for Cleo's frustrations with systemic racism and cultural appropriation.

As the thread gains attention, Cleo's friend Kara becomes concerned and visits her. Their conversations reveal the complexities of their friendship and differing perspectives on race and activism.

Quote: "Cleo tells Kara that her boyfriend cheated on her with a white girl."

The play explores flashbacks to earlier incidents, including Cleo being harassed at a party where Kara failed to intervene. As Cleo's thread goes viral, she faces backlash and racist attacks online.

Vocabulary: Blackfishing - the practice of a non-Black person altering their appearance to look Black or racially ambiguous.

The story culminates with Cleo apologizing for the thread and a homophobic tweet from her past being uncovered. In the final scene, Cleo and Kara reconcile and reflect on the historical figure of Saartjie Baartman.