Melinda Sordino:
* Introverted and withdrawn: Melinda struggles to connect with others and often retreats into herself. She avoids social situations and has difficulty communicating her feelings.
* Traumatized and silent: She is deeply affected by the assault she experienced and is unable to speak about it, leading to her silence and withdrawal.
* Guilt-ridden and self-blaming: Melinda carries a heavy burden of guilt and blames herself for the assault, leading to feelings of shame and worthlessness.
* Angry and rebellious: As a coping mechanism, Melinda expresses her anger and frustration through rebellious acts, such as vandalizing the school.
* Creative and artistic: Art becomes a way for Melinda to express her emotions and connect with the world in a way she can't verbally.
* Resilient and hopeful: Despite her struggles, Melinda gradually begins to find her voice and develop a sense of agency.
Other Characters:
* Rachel Bruin: Popular and outgoing, Rachel is initially dismissive of Melinda, but later shows kindness and empathy.
* Andy Evans: The antagonist and Melinda's attacker. He is manipulative and callous, taking advantage of Melinda's vulnerability.
* Mr. Freeman: Melinda's art teacher who encourages her creativity and provides a safe space for her to express herself.
* Heather: Melinda's former best friend who turns against her after the assault. Heather represents the pressures of social conformity and the difficulty of maintaining friendships in the face of trauma.
It's important to remember that these are just some of the key traits and that the characters in *Speak* are complex and multi-layered. They develop and change throughout the novel as Melinda grapples with her trauma and begins to find her voice.