Sephy Hadley's Flaws in The First Book of Noughts & Crosses
When I first started reading Noughts & Crosses, I wondered if Sephy Hadley might be a flawless character, similar to Tris Prior from Divergent.
However, it didn't take me long to realize that Sephy is far from perfect. Her flaws make her a much more relatable and complex character. I thought it would be interesting to explore these imperfections and provide examples from the first book to illustrate how they shape her journey.
Naivety
Sephy invites Callum to sit with her in the Crosses-only section at school, not realizing the repercussions that this could pose. She thinks that her gesture will promote equality, but it instead brings hostility.
Stubbornness
Sephy is determined to maintain her friendship with Callum despite the societal pressure and the disapproval of her family. Her insistence on continuing to meet with him secretly, even when advised against it, shows her stubborn refusal to heed warnings.
Impulsiveness
Sephy decides to kiss Callum impulsively when they meet at the beach. This sudden act, driven by her emotions, shocks Callum and complicates their already tense relationship, given the societal boundaries between them.
Idealism
Sephy's idealistic belief that love can conquer all is evident when she naively suggests that she and Callum should run away together to escape the societal constraints. She oversimplifies the dangers of their situation, believing their love is enough to solve all problems.
Overtrusting Nature
Sephy's trust in her father, Kamal Hadley, despite his manipulative and politically driven nature, is an example of her overtrusting nature. She fails to see through his facade and believes he will support her relationship with Callum or be more understanding.
Emotional Dependence
Sephy often relies on Callum for emotional support and validation, particularly during times of distress and confusion. Her dependence on him becomes evident when she feels lost and alone without his presence, which affects her ability to cope independently.
Lack of Self-Confidence
Sephy's self-doubt becomes palpable during her struggles at school and her interactions with her peers. For examples, when she faces bullying and ostracism, she starts to question her worth and abilities rather than standing up for herself confidently.
Sephy Hadley's flaws are what make her a richly developed and relatable character in Noughts & Crosses. Her imperfections contribute to her growth as a protagonist throughout the books following in the six-book long series and the challenges that she faces.