This character guide explores the diverse cast of Tamara Ireland Stone's Every Last Word, a story set in a suburban high school where popularity reigns supreme. Beneath the surface of cliques and social hierarchies, the novel delves into themes of mental health, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters navigate the complexities of adolescence while grappling with hidden struggles and the search for authentic connection.
Main Characters
Samantha McAllister
Samantha (Sam) is the protagonist and narrator, a seemingly popular junior who secretly battles Purely Obsessional OCD (Pure-O). She meticulously hides her intrusive thoughts and compulsions from her friends, the "Crazy Eights," fearing their judgment and potential social ostracization. As she navigates the pressures of maintaining a perfect facade, Sam discovers a hidden world of poetry and self-expression that allows her to confront her anxiety and embrace her true identity. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, as she learns to manage her mental illness and find genuine connection beyond the superficiality of her social circle.
Sam's relationships are central to her growth, particularly her connection with Caroline Madsen, who guides her toward the transformative power of Poet's Corner. She also develops a deep bond with AJ Olsen, a former target of her childhood bullying, who becomes a symbol of forgiveness and authentic connection. Her therapist, Sue, and her Mom are her primary support system for managing her OCD.
Caroline Madsen
Initially presented as a quirky, non-conformist student, Caroline Madsen befriends Sam and introduces her to the liberating world of Poet's Corner. However, Caroline is eventually revealed to be a hallucination, a manifestation of Sam's subconscious mind. Based on a real girl who founded Poet's Corner and tragically died by suicide, Caroline serves as a catalyst for Sam's transformation, embodying the courage, honesty, and self-acceptance that Sam seeks.
Caroline's unconventional style and direct approach challenge Sam's carefully constructed facade, encouraging her to be honest with herself and embrace her true voice. As Sam grows stronger and more confident, Caroline's presence diminishes, symbolizing Sam's realization that the strength she admired in Caroline was within herself all along.
AJ Olsen
AJ (Andrew Olsen) is the "keymaster" of Poet's Corner and Sam's primary love interest. A talented musician and poet, AJ is initially wary of Sam due to their shared history. He was the target of Sam's bullying in elementary school. Despite his guarded exterior, AJ proves to be a deeply empathetic and supportive friend, valuing sincerity and encouraging Sam to "blurt" her true feelings.
As Sam apologizes and integrates into Poet's Corner, AJ begins to trust her, opening up about his own struggles with a stutter and how music helped him find his voice. Their relationship evolves from a painful past to a deep, authentic connection built on forgiveness, shared vulnerability, and mutual respect. Within the Poet's Corner group, he is particularly close with Emily.
Supporting Characters
The "Crazy Eights"
This is Sam's popular, and often toxic, friend group, representing the superficial side of friendship.
- Alexis: The leader of the group, Alexis is controlling and image-obsessed, enforcing a strict social hierarchy that highlights the conditional nature of their friendships.
- Kaitlyn: The cruelest member of the group, Kaitlyn was Sam's partner in bullying AJ in fourth grade and shows no remorse, representing the most toxic aspects of Sam's social life.
- Olivia: The boy-crazy and often thoughtless member of the group, Olivia tends to follow Alexis and Kaitlyn's lead without much critical thought.
- Hailey: The most sympathetic of the Eights, Hailey often finds herself on the bottom rung of the social ladder with Sam and is the first to show genuine concern when Sam pulls away.
Sue
Sue is Sam's psychiatrist, whom Sam nicknames "Shrink-Sue." She is a vital part of Sam's support system, providing Sam with the tools to manage her OCD and challenging her to make healthier choices.
Samantha's Mom
Sam's mother is her first line of defense during panic attacks, providing consistent support and demonstrating the impact of mental illness on family.
Minor Characters
- Sydney: A vibrant and funny member of Poet's Corner, known for writing her poems on fast-food wrappers, and one of the first to welcome Sam into the group.
- Abigail: An energetic poet with a pixie cut, whose poem "As If" reveals the insecurities hidden beneath her confident exterior.
- Emily: A kind and quiet poet who is dealing with her mother's terminal cancer, sharing a deep, platonic friendship with AJ and eventually forming a genuine bond with Sam.
- Brandon: Sam's handsome summer swim coach and her initial crush, representing an idealized fantasy that contrasts with the real connection she finds with AJ.
- Kurt Frasier: Sam's ex-boyfriend who cheated on her with Kaitlyn, symbolizing the drama and superficiality of the Crazy Eights' social circle.
- Paige: Sam's younger sister, providing moments of normal family life and largely unaware of the extent of Sam's struggles.
Character Relationships & Dynamics
The novel explores different forms of friendship and connection:
- Samantha & The Crazy Eights: A relationship based on history and social status rather than genuine connection, forcing Sam to hide her true self.
- Alexis/Kaitlyn -> Sam: Dominant and judgmental.
- Hailey -> Sam: Supportive but conflicted.
- Samantha & The Poets: A relationship built on shared vulnerability, creativity, and mutual acceptance, where Sam feels safe enough to be herself.
- AJ -> Sam: A progression from a painful past to a deep, romantic bond built on forgiveness and honesty.
- Sydney/Abigail/Emily -> Sam: Welcoming and non-judgmental, offering a stark contrast to the Eights.
- Samantha & Caroline: A manifestation of Sam's internal needs, Caroline is the friend, guide, and inner voice of courage that Sam must learn to access on her own.
- Samantha & Her Support System:
- Sue: A professional, guiding relationship focused on providing tools and perspective.
- Mom: An emotional, protective relationship focused on immediate care and safety.