Character Analysis Of Jessica In 'The Running Dream'

In The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen 16-year-old Jessica, a junior in high school sets a new record for the 400 meter during her “last” track meet. Unfortunately, on her way home, the bus carrying her and her track team is hit by a drunk driver and she loses her leg to the crash. The book continues, showing her recovery process and the hurdles she faces from that inevitable accident on. Through Jessica’s life crisis, the author shows the theme that people should appreciate what they have, not what they don’t.

Jessica, the main character doesn’t have what she wants out of life. Jessica has a hard time letting go of her past abilities and resents her present situation. “I spend a lot of time reliving my last race. Wishing for my good

Her caring friends work hard to be a useful support system throughout her recovery process. “ My friends call. They come by. They bring me plants and chocolate and get-well cards. They want to cheer… me… up.”( Pg 53). The beginning of this quote shows her friend’s love. At the same time, the end of the quote makes it seem like even though they are trying their best, it isn’ t working and she doesn’t appreciate what they are doing her. In the beginning of the quote the author lists multiple things, the characters do to help Jessica. But by the end of the quote, with the italicized words and ellipses, the author makes the reader slow down in their reading and use a certain tone of voice that sounds disappointed. Although Jessica has these amazing friends who try to make her life more enjoyable, she doesn’t appreciate the things they do for her. Jessica has two functional hands that help her do everyday things that are necessary for her lifestyle. “ I start paying attention to all my movements. How one hand compliments the other. And I start thinking about everything I do with two hands… Driving. Golfing. Keyboarding. Even writing takes two hands. The pen’s held in one; the paper’s anchored in the other.”( Pg 7). Without her hands, Jessica wouldn’t be able to do many of the things she finds necessary and other things she finds fun. In the beginning of the book Jessica is so focused on how she lost her leg, everyone else had theirs, and the fact that she is unable to run without a prosthetic. She didn’t stop to think about what she did have. For example her hands. Certainly, it could be said that Jessica is unable to appreciate what she has because she is depressed. While this is a good point it fails to account for the times that Jessica is able to turn away from her depression and enjoy life. Jessica has all these things that she doesn’t take into