Character Analysis: Sydney
Sydney is a vibrant member of Poet's Corner, the secret poetry club that becomes a sanctuary for Samantha McAllister. One of the first Poets Sam recognizes from U.S. History class, Sydney serves as a welcoming bridge into the group. Known for her quirky confidence, unique style, and humorous poems about fast food, she embodies the spirit of authenticity and acceptance that defines Poet's Corner. Her warmth and emotional intelligence provide both comic relief and a stable, supportive presence for Sam and the other members.
Who Is Sydney?
Sydney is the embodiment of unapologetic self-acceptance. She is comfortable in her own skin, embracing her unique style and quirky sense of humor. More than just comic relief, she is a perceptive and empathetic friend, deeply attuned to the emotional needs of those around her. In a world of carefully constructed facades, Sydney is refreshingly genuine, a beacon of authenticity and a reminder that true beauty lies in embracing one's true self.
Personality & Traits
Sydney's most defining characteristic is her unwavering confidence. She is completely comfortable with who she is, embracing her unique fashion sense and reading her unconventional poems with pride and flair. This self-assuredness is infectious, inspiring others to embrace their own individuality.
- Confident and Unapologetic: Sydney is completely comfortable with who she is. She embraces her unique fashion sense and reads her unconventional poems with pride and flair, never seeking validation from others.
- Quirky and Humorous: Her choice of subject matter for poetry—from Chicken McNuggets to Auntie Anne's pretzels—is a defining trait. This quirkiness brings a lighthearted and joyful energy to Poet's Corner, reminding the members not to take themselves too seriously.
- Perceptive and Empathetic: Despite her often-comedic persona, Sydney is deeply attuned to the emotional needs of her friends. She understands the group dynamic and knows when to use her humor to comfort others, as seen when she dedicates a poem to Emily after Emily reads a heartbreaking piece about her mother.
- Welcoming and Inclusive: Sydney plays a crucial role in bringing Sam into the fold. She is the one who officially invites Sam back to Poet's Corner, assuring her that she is wanted and that her apology to AJ Olsen was received.
Character Journey
Sydney's character remains consistent throughout the novel, serving as a stable and grounding force within Poet's Corner. While she does not undergo a significant personal transformation like Sam, her role evolves from a quirky classmate to a key figure representing the group's core values. Her unwavering self-assurance and kindness provide a stark contrast to the conditional friendships Sam experiences with the Crazy Eights, highlighting the theme of The Nature of Friendship. Her confidence also helps inspire Sam to find her own voice and embrace her authentic self.
Key Relationships
Samantha McAllister: Sydney is one of the first Poets to make a genuine connection with Sam. She recognizes Sam from class and later acts as the messenger who invites her to join the group, telling her, "We want you to come back." This act of inclusion is a pivotal moment in Sam's journey toward finding a place where she truly belongs.
The Poets: Sydney is a cherished member of the Poet's Corner community. She has an easy, supportive rapport with everyone, and her performances are clearly a group favorite. Her most notable interaction is with Emily, when she uses her humor to provide comfort during a difficult time, demonstrating the deep, familial bond among the Poets.
Defining Moments
Sydney's defining moments are not grand gestures, but rather small acts of kindness and acceptance that reveal her true character. These moments highlight her role as a pillar of support and a symbol of authenticity within Poet's Corner.
- The "Neujay" Poem: Sam's first experience in Poet's Corner includes watching Sydney read a poem about Chicken McNuggets written on the container lid. This performance perfectly introduces Sydney's character and the accepting, unconventional atmosphere of the group. Her triumphant yell, "Yes! Stick me!" after her reading showcases her infectious confidence.
- The Invitation: In U.S. History, Sydney approaches Sam to officially invite her back to Poet's Corner. She explains that the group discussed her apology poem and decided they wanted her to join them. This moment validates Sam's efforts and opens the door to her finding a new community.
- The "Pretzel Logic" Poem: In a powerful display of empathy, Sydney follows Emily's devastating poem about her mother's illness with a lighthearted piece about pretzels. She dedicates it to Emily, successfully lifting the heavy mood in the room and showing the profound kindness that underpins the friendships in Poet's Corner.
Essential Quotes
I call this one Neujay.
Sydney's introduction of her poem about Chicken McNuggets is a perfect example of her quirky humor and unconventional approach to poetry. The fact that she named the poem after a bastardization of the word "nugget" shows her willingness to embrace the absurd and find art in the everyday.
Everyone stands, clapping and cheering, and Sydney holds her skirt to one side and curtsies. Then she throws her arms up in the air and her head back and yells, “Yes! Stick me!”
Sydney's exuberant reaction after performing her poem encapsulates her infectious confidence and self-assuredness. She is not afraid to be herself and revel in her own accomplishments, no matter how small or silly they may seem to others.
“We’ve been talking,” she says. “We want you to come back.”
Sydney's simple invitation to Sam to rejoin Poet's Corner is a powerful moment of acceptance and inclusion. It demonstrates the group's willingness to forgive and embrace Sam, offering her a safe space to be herself.