This Is Where It Ends Character Analysis

Claire Morgan

One of the novel’s four narrators, and a senior at Opportunity High School. When the shooting begins she is outside the school attending track practice, so she spends the morning running for help and watching… read analysis of Claire Morgan

Tomás Morales

One of the novel’s four narrators and Sylvia’s twin brother. Previously the school’s foremost prankster, Tomás has vowed to shape up this year in order to help his family, which is struggling to cope… read analysis of Tomás Morales

Autumn Browne

One of the novel’s four narrators, a junior at Opportunity High School, and Tyler’s younger sister. On the day of the shooting, Autumn is grieving the second anniversary of her Mom’s death in… read analysis of Autumn Browne

Sylvia Morales

One of the novel’s four narrators and Tomás’s twin sister. Unlike her trouble-making brother, Sylvia is known for her good behavior and better grades; at the start of the novel, she’s just received her… read analysis of Sylvia Morales

Tyler Browne

Autumn’s older brother and the shooter who murders dozens of students and teachers over the course of the novel before killing himself. Tyler’s character emerges chiefly through flashbacks of the four narrators. Autumn initially… read analysis of Tyler Browne

Chris West

Claire’s best friend and comrade on the track team and JROTC squad. Claire admires Chris for his calm demeanor and good judgment. Moreover, she’s a little in awe of him for being the school’s… read analysis of Chris West

Fareed Al-Sahar

Tomás’s best friend and fellow mischief-maker, a recent transplant to Opportunity High. Throughout the novel Fareed displays bravery and quick thinking; he’s the first to alert the police to the shooting and, along with… read analysis of Fareed Al-Sahar

Matt Morgan

Claire’s younger brother. Although Matt is only a few years younger and has started high school this year, he acts – and is treated by his family – like a much younger child, in… read analysis of Matt Morgan

Mr. Browne / Dad

Autumn and Tyler’s father. By all accounts he’s a terrible parent; after Mrs. Browne dies he disregards his children and his business and turns to alcoholism, and he openly favors Tyler over Autumn. He… read analysis of Mr. Browne / Dad

Principal Trenton

The principal of Opportunity High School. While Claire mocks her for starting every semester’s assembly with the same boring speech, for the four narrators she also represents the security of their ordinary – if boring… read analysis of Principal Trenton

Mr. Jameson

The school’s beloved English teacher and leader of an annual nighttime assembly in which seniors write wishes on paper lanterns and release them into the sky. Mr. Jameson is killed while bravely trying to confront… read analysis of Mr. Jameson

Jay Eyck

An Opportunity High student who skips school on the day of the shooting and tweets about the day’s events in anguish from his home. Jay has a crush on Kevin Rolland and texts him repeatedly… read analysis of Jay Eyck

Minor Characters

Joni Browne / Mom

Autumn and Tyler’s mother, a well-traveled ballet dancer and director who inspires her daughter’s love for dance but then is killed in a car accident. Appearing only in flashbacks, Mrs. Browne represents the happier portion of Autumn’s childhood, before her family descends into dysfunction and violence.

Mrs. Morales / Mamá

Sylvia and Tomás’s mother, a former lawyer currently dying from an unnamed degenerative illness. While their mother used to be an inspiration and a support, now caring for her has become the responsibility of her children and forced them to mature quickly.

Mrs. Morgan

Claire, Matt, and Tracy’s mother, a woman faced with the immense task of raising three children and running a household even while finances are constantly strained by Matt’s medical bills.

Tracy Morgan

Claire’s older sister, currently deployed with the U.S. Army. Claire has always relied on her sister for guidance and her departure from home means that Claire has to take on more responsibilities.

Lt. Colonel West

Chris’s father, a career soldier whose bravery and strength Chris and Claire admire.

Abuelo

Sylvia and Tomás’s grandfather, who runs the family farm and acts as a father to them. Abuelo is tough but generous, and both teenagers strive to earn his approval through maturity and good behavior.

Asha

One of Sylvia’s friends, who bonds with Autumn over their shared passion for music and dance. Asha is horrified and grief-stricken when she witnesses the death of her sister, Nyah, at Tyler’s hands.

Nyah

Asha’s younger sister, whom Tyler brutally murders.

Steve Johnson

A sophomore student whom Sylvia gently helps escape the auditorium.

Coach Lindt

Claire’s gruff and demanding track coach. Although he’s usually the one giving instructions, when the team hears shots from the school he succumbs to shock and relies on Claire for leadership, highlighting her maturity and competence.

Mei Jameson

Mr. Jameson’s daughter and the author of a blog through which she comments on the events of the shooting as they develop.

Kevin Rolland

One of the school’s few proudly queer students, famous for having successfully confronted Tyler over his homophobic views. In retaliation, Tyler seeks him out and kills him during the shooting.

CJ Johnson

A sophomore and one of Claire’s comrades on her JROTC squad. Throughout the shooting CJ tweets out her thoughts and feelings, sending vital information to the families and community waiting for information outside the school. Her brother is Steve Johnson.

Neil

The school janitor.

Jonah

The school security guard.