Unfriended

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes bullying, anti-fat bias, suicide, and stigmatizing language about mental health.

Truly is the main character and the protagonist. Although the story spreads the spotlight among the characters, the narrative ultimately centers on Truly and her earnest traits. Natasha invites Truly to sit at the popular table, which is the catalyst for a series of schemes from Natasha and Hazel. Truly’s imputed “innocence” makes her a target, and Natasha and Hazel try to corrupt her. Natasha explains, “Brooke thinks Truly is so sweet and innocent, but she doesn’t know Truly like I do” (168). Yet Truly remains relatively pure. She never plots against Natasha and Hazel. While she admits that she wants to be popular and thinks of the popular crowd as a “better offer” than Hazel’s friendship, the confession doesn’t make her seem craven but mindful—she’s aware of her unsavory motives. She isn’t cognizant of people’s capacity to harm her, and her naivete is a character flaw. She trusts Hazel with her passwords, and she doesn’t question Natasha’s reasons for inviting her to the popular table. As her name indicates, Truly is sincere and forthright, but other people, like Hazel and Natasha, are deceptive.