Starr's Character Growth in The Hate U Give

Caroline Kunz

Dr. Ellis

EN 499

14 February 2024

    The Hate U Give is truly one of the most powerful novels that I've read in a long time. I have studied and consumed various books and media regarding police brutality in the past, however, non struck me quite so much as this novel. Part of this reason has to do with the conversation that we had in class last week regarding whether or not reading is an adequate form of contact with real world issues. The Hate U Give stands as one of the more effective resources that I have read in the process of educating myself on issues of police brutality, racism, and representation, as I was not reading about injustice through the eyes of a reporter or watching it through the eyes of a filmmaker, but experiencing it firsthand alongside a young black girl coming of age amidst injustice. I developed true empathy for Starr in reading of her perspective and experiences. The novel so poignantly allows readers to care for Starr, her family, Khalil, and the outcome of the trial, prompting them to notice instances of injustice that mirror that of the novel in their own communities. 

    I was impacted by Starr's story largely because I was able to witness her journey of self growth juxtaposed against the larger progression of Khalil's case. Thomas so eloquently balances Starr's personal life with a plotline that acts as a means of educating readers and a calling them to action in their own lives. As Starr grapples to understand her power and ability to make change amidst officer one-fifteen's trial, she undermines her bravery, noting "brave peoples' legs don't shake. Brave people don't feel like puking. Brave people sure don't have to remind themselves how to breathe if they think about that night too hard. If bravery is a medical condition, everybody's misdiagnosed me" (Kindle, 284). These insights largely summarize Starr's starting point as a character; she is still searching for her place in her community, unsure whether she fits in more within Garden Heights or at Williamson, and doubtful that her voice could have any sort of impact on an issue so much larger than herself.

    Thus, as the novel progressed, I admired Starr's ability to come into her own, realizing her potential to make a difference, and finding her voice. She realizes that her "voice is [her] biggest weapon," and uses it to fight for justice, as opposed to fighting with a weapon or physical violence (410). Not only does she stand up for herself amidst the riots, leading a "Khalil Lived!" chant amongst the crowds, but she finds her voice in her personal life, too. Whether it be opening up to Chris about her experiences in Garden Heights, or cutting off a negative relationship with Hailey, the confidence that Starr gains as she fights for Khalil impacts the confidence that she possesses in her personal life, and vise versa. I admire the ways in which Thomas balanced the public and the intimate, the large-scale and personal, throughout the novel, making for a truly impactful protagonist.

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