Nicole Character Analysis in Speak

Like Ivy and Rachel, Nicole used to be a part of Melinda’s friend group, the Plain Janes, in middle school. She is now a talented athlete, and her strength and confidence represent to Melinda everything that she herself is not. When Melinda almost beats Nicole at tennis, this is a major boost to her self-esteem. Nicole is cordial to Melinda—not as warm as Ivy, but not as cruel as Rachel. When Andy Evans attacks Melinda in the supply closet, it is Nicole and the girls’ lacrosse team who come to her aid.

Nicole Character Timeline in Speak

The timeline below shows where the character Nicole appears in Speak. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...old friends, with whom she used to be in a clique called the Plain Janes: Nicole the jock; Ivy the artist; and Rachel, Melinda’s former best friend (the fifth member of... (full context)

...describes its rose decorations and pink walls, and recounts the different ways that Rachel, Ivy, Nicole, and Jessica decorated their rooms when they were in fifth grade. The only things that... (full context)

...her gym clothes under her school clothes. She goes on to discuss her former friend Nicole, who is athletic and confident. Nicole, Melinda asserts, has a nice locker because she’s on... (full context)

...class plays field hockey on a muddy, cloudy day, an unenthusiastic Melinda continues to describe Nicole’s athletic skills, and good looks, the favoritism she receives from the coaches, and her friendliness.... (full context)

...gym class has moved on to a tennis unit, and Ms. Connors pairs Melinda against Nicole to do a demonstration for the class because she used to take lessons at her... (full context)

After napping, Melinda takes the bike out at night, riding by Heather, Nicole, and Rachel’s houses. It is prom night, and she imagines Rachel’s parents waiting up for... (full context)

...on the door; Melinda opens it to reveal the entire girls’ lacrosse team, led by Nicole. One of them runs to get help. (full context)