Minor Characters
Samuel Heckler
Lindsey’s first boyfriend and eventual husband, Samuel Heckler is an unlikely boy-next-door who comes to be a constant and healing presence in the Salmon family. His love of old, broken things resonates with his desire to help Lindsey—and, indeed, the entire Salmon family—heal in the wake of Susie’s loss.
Holly
Susie’s roommate and best friend in heaven.
Nate
A friend of Buckley’s.
Clarissa
Susie’s best friend. Clarissa matured faster than Susie, wearing eye shadow and platform shoes and going steady with an older boy named Brian Nelson.
Brian Nelson
Clarissa’s boyfriend. When Jack Salmon comes upon Clarissa in the cornfield—first believing her to be George Harvey and then, in a fit of delusion, believing her to be Susie, Brian beats Jack into submission, causing him a knee injury that inhibit Jacks for the rest of his life.
Joe Ellis
A neighborhood kid often seen as a bad boy or a menace. George Harvey blames a spate of animal killings on Joe in order to cover up the fact that he himself has been killing animals in an attempt to stave off his desire to kill girls and women.
Principal Caden
The principal of Susie’s junior high. He seems deeply affected by Susie’s murder, and organizes a memorial service for her at the local church.
Mr. and Mrs. Dewitt
A pair of teachers at Susie and Lindsey’s school. Mrs. Dewitt teaches English; Mr. Dewitt coaches soccer.
Reverend Strick
The local reverend.
Artie
A boy who attends a gifted students symposium and summer camp with Lindsey. He apparently had a crush on Susie while she was alive, and attempts to ask Lindsey several questions about what Susie was actually like.