Never Let Me Go: 13

"I could see that Ruth was making a big effort to present not just herself, but all of us, in the right way to Chrissie and Rodney" (148).

In chapter thirteen, readers are exposed to Ruth as a round character. She is beginning to really show that she has multiple dimensions to her character. Ever since arriving at the Cottages, she has begun to stray from her usual self. She is trying to fit in amongst the veterans, specifically Chrissie and Rodney. She is forgetting about Kathy and Tommy's feeling because she is trying to prove that she fits in with the veterans. Sometimes she tries to bring Kathy and Tommy into it too, but they think she has just changed. One dimension of Ruth's character is that she cares about Kathy and Tommy and their future as good friends. Another dimension of Ruth's character is trying to present herself as worthy to the veterans. We see Ruth caring about Kathy and Tommy when they were admiring the eyes drawn in the o's of look and laughed together. However, we see Ruth presenting herself to Chrissie and Rodney when she bashes Tommy and reminds everyone of how he used to be the school tease. We see both dimensions together in the above quote when Ruth is trying to present herself, as well as Kathy and Tommy, to the veterans. She still cares about her friends, but wants to be accepted and liked by everybody. I think Ruth is acting both ways because she wants to fit in and feel important in the Cottages, but she doesn't want to loose her friends from Hailsham. Ruth as a round character is important to the story because it allows readers to realize the hardships and struggles the Hailsham students experience when they move on. Also, Ruth's character getting close to the veterans allows readers to learn more about Chrissie and Rodney and their thoughts and ideas.