I already discussed Carter's school background. He attends public school in Boston and is one year behind Jade. I imagined Jade's freshman year acting like a snowball. It grew throughout the year, building on the rumors due to her pictures being sent around the school. By the time she decided to leave, and it was time for Carter to start his freshman year, the drama that surrounded Jade had grown so much that it trickled down to Carter. Everyone knew who he was - Walbridge is a name that no one is ignorant to - so it was likely that most kids would either make fun of him for being connected to her, or they would worship him and try to get close through proxy. It turned out to be a little of both. Carter decided to squash the nonsense right away. From the get-go, he made it clear that being connected to Jade did not give others free passes into her pants. His friends had to learn this, and eventually accepted it. In a way, he was actually protecting Jade. As the reader will find out in Infinite Limits, Carter's capability to show compassion is a constant surprise. Even to Jade.
We already know that Carter eventually becomes king of the school. He rules his high school kingdom, getting the girls and the grades he doesn't deserve. We also know about his decision to escape to Tennessee and his lapse in judgement with Audrina Ashby. So, what is it that we don't know?
In Three Sixty, I acknowledge that Carter does have friends. His best friend is Thomas, and just like Carter, he is a dick. There is a specific point at which this occurs, and it's partially Thomas' fault. When Carter was younger, he had another friend that he spent all of this time with. They got along great and shared lots in common. Except for money. When Thomas comes along and introduces himself, he's very certain to note this to Carter. He explains that his money is the same as Carter's money. Basically, their families are on the same level. Carter's other friend is not on this level. Somehow, even at such a young age, the boys are able to separate themselves based on wealth and social status. Thomas has the bigger TV. He has all the newest video games and signed sports memorabilia. This is apparently worth a friendship to Carter, so it takes Thomas up on his extended hand. Over the years, they actually do become close. And I can confidently say that you will meet Thomas in Infinite Limits...
Alright. So other than the douche-baggy friends and the technical jealousy of Jade, Carter really doesn't have an excuse to act the way he does. Maybe he's just mean for the sake of being mean.
No. I wholeheartedly disagree.
Carter is an asshole. But it's not because he's mean. It's because he's HONEST.
I was so relieved to have a character speak their mind at the drop of a hat. Larson was definitely not shy about his opinions, but he still had a conscious. Carter does not. He doesn't care if he hurts someone's feelings. All he can comprehend is that he's stating a fact. He's pointing out the ugly truth for what it is. That's why I was actually entertained by his comments at the end of Three Sixty. When he calls out Audrina and her friends, saying they're like an after school special, I actually laughed out loud. Because it's true. These people have more drama in their lives than an episode of Gossip Girl. And even though it's tough stuff - even though these things really do happen - at some point we have to be able to step back and be amused. We all have to acknowledge the ridiculous sometimes, and that's what Carter Walbridge is there for.
Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to post some songs and random facts for you all! Thanks again!
Remember: it's ok to be happy!
-Megan.
No comments:
Post a Comment