Speech Sounds Characters

Rye, the protagonist of “Speech Sounds, is a woman living in dystopian Los Angeles in the wake of a global pandemic that has left most of its survivors unable to use language. Three years ago… read analysis of Valerie Rye

A former Los Angeles police officer who has retained his ability to read and write, Obsidian is Rye’s companion and lover for much of the story. Obsidian is a kind and peaceful “protector” who… read analysis of Obsidian

The bus driver is the owner and driver of the bus that Rye takes towards Pasadena. He is a touchy and heavily-impaired man who supports his family by driving people around Los Angeles, asking for… read analysis of The Bus Driver

At the end of the story, Rye adopts two children—a toddler boy and girl—whose parents are dead and who are miraculously able to speak. Initially, when Rye sees these children, she wants to leave them… read analysis of The Children