Everything I Never Told You Character Flashcards

The middle child, intelligent, pressured by her parents, and central to the story. Her death drives the plot

Who is Lydia Lee?

Father to Lydia, a Chinese American college professor struggling with racism and isolation. Wants his children to fit in and succeed.

Who is James Lee?

Mother to Lydia, wanted to be a doctor but gave up her career. Pushes Lydia to succeed academically

Who is Marilyn Lee?

Oldest child, Lydia’s brother, protective of her, struggles with jealously and guilt

Who is Nathan Lee?

Youngest child, observant of Lydia and quiet, often unnoticed by the rest of the family

Who is Hannah Lee?

Jack is the neighbor boy and Nathan’s friend; misunderstood and rumored to be trouble

Not involved in Lydia’s death; represents misjudged outsiders in the story

Who is Jack?

Mrs Blythe is Lydia’s teacher and appears briefly as part of her academic life

Who is Mrs Blythe?

Jame’s father, a minor character who represents the older generation’s immigrant struggles and is the grandfather to Lydia and her siblings

Who is Earl Lee?

Grace is a classmate and friend of Lydia at school

Who is Grace?

The novel is set in 1970s Ohio, about a mixed race Chinese American family

When is the story set?

Lydia Lee is found drowned in the lake by her father and the family begins to unravel; everyone processes shock and confusion differently

What happens in Chapter 1: Lydia is Dead?

Explores Marilyn’s dream for Lydia to become a doctor

James wants Lydia to fit in and avoid racial prejudice

Shows Lydia’s pressure to succeed and feelings of isolation

What happens in Chapter 2: The Weight of Expectations?

Nathan struggles with being overlooked in favor of Lydia as the favorite daughter of the family

Reveals family tension between the two

What happens in Chapter 3: Nathan’s perspective?

Marilyn’s childhood ambitions and frustrations explained

Her desire for Lydia to achieve what she couldn’t is rooted in her own unfulfilled dreams

What happens in Chapter 4: Marilyn’s Past?

James experience as a Chinese American man in a predominantly white town

Explains his cautiousness and the pressure he puts on Lydia to belong socially

What happens in Chapter 5: James Past?

Family members hide feelings; communication is poor

Lydia struggles internally but doesn’t confide in anyone

What happens in Chapter 6: Secrets and Silence?

Youngest sibling notices patterns and truths others ignore

Shows how Hannah is overlooked and seen as a outsider by her family

What happens in Chapter 7: Hannah’s Observations?

Noah suspects Jack, the neighbor boy, might have contributed to Lydia’s death

Family begins to confront secrets, misunderstandings, and blame

What happens in Chapter 8: Discovery & Guilt?

Themes of grief, identity, and understanding each other are emphasized

What happens in Chapter 10: Reflection & Healing?

The rock symbolizes Lydia’s pressure and obstacles; slipping on it shows how isolation and high expectations can ead to tragic consequences

What does the rock represent?

Lydia feels isolated and pressured

She rows into the lake, intending to prove herself, but tragically drowns after slipping on a rock

What happens in Chapter 11?

Family grieves and begins to confront guilt

Nathan suspects Jack but is stopped; Jack helps Nathan, symbolizing a moment of understanding

What happens in Chapter 12?