Never Let Me Go: Character Analysis

Kathy H.

Overview

Kathy H. is the protagonist and narrator of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go. As a student at Hailsham, Kathy is reflective, empathetic, and observant, qualities that persist throughout her life as a carer. Her narration provides a detailed account of her relationships with Ruth and Tommy, and her journey highlights the complexities of friendship, love, and the search for identity within the confines of her predetermined fate as a clone. Kathy's narrative voice, filled with nostalgia and longing, allows readers to deeply connect with her emotional experiences and the broader ethical implications of the story.

Key Plot Moments

• Tommy's Tantrums
  • Kathy shows concern and tries to understand Tommy's outbursts at Hailsham, demonstrating her empathetic nature and the beginning of their deep connection.
• The Search for the Cassette Tape
  • Kathy and Tommy bond over their search for her lost Judy Bridgewater tape, which strengthens their emotional connection and showcases Kathy's sentimental side.
• Ruth's Betrayal
  • Ruth manipulates Tommy and Kathy's feelings, claiming Tommy doesn't see Kathy romantically, which strains Kathy's relationships with both Ruth and Tommy.
• Ruth's Apology
  • Ruth admits to keeping Kathy and Tommy apart and asks Kathy to seek a relationship with Tommy, marking a turning point in Kathy's emotional journey and her forgiveness towards Ruth.
• Tommy's Final Fury
  • Tommy's breakdown after learning about their limited futures reflects his deep-seated frustration, with Kathy's understanding and support highlighting her enduring compassion.

Key Themes

• Loss and Memory
  • Kathy's reflections on her past at Hailsham and her relationships with Ruth and Tommy illustrate the themes of loss and the preservation of memory.
• Friendship and Loyalty
  • Kathy's loyalty to her friends, even when they hurt her, underscores the importance of friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity.
• The Search for Identity
  • Kathy's journey is marked by her search for meaning and identity within the confines of her predetermined fate as a clone.

Key Quotes

"I was thinking about back then, at Hailsham, when you used to go bonkers like that, and we couldn't understand it. We couldn't understand how you could ever get like that. . . . I was thinking maybe the reason you used to get like that was because at some level you always knew."

• This quote reflects Kathy's insight into Tommy's deeper frustrations and foreshadows the revelation of their true purpose.

"Well . . . I really wanted to find it [the cassette tape] for you. And when it looked in the end like it wasn't going to turn up, I just said to myself, one day I'll go to Norfolk, and I'll find it there for her."

• This quote highlights Kathy's sentimental nature and her bond with Tommy, illustrating the significance of the cassette tape as a symbol of their connection.

"I froze in shock. Then within a second or two, I began to feel a new kind of alarm, because I could see there was something strange about the situation. The door was almost half open . . . but Madame hadn't nearly come up to the threshold. She was out in the corridor, standing very still . . . . And the odd thing was she was crying."

• Kathy's realization of Madame's emotional response to her dancing to "Never Let Me Go" underscores the poignant human desire for connection and the tragic reality of the clones' existence.

"You were different. I remember. You were never embarrassed about your collection and you kept it. I wish now I'd done that too."

• This quote from Ruth highlights Kathy's unique character and her attachment to memories, contrasting with Ruth's more pragmatic approach.

"The problem, as I see it, is that you've been told and not told. You've been told, but none of you really understand, and I dare say, some people are quite happy to leave it that way. But I'm not. If you're going to have decent lives, then you've got to know and know properly."

• Miss Lucy's revelation to Kathy and the other students about their true purpose underscores the ethical dilemmas and the theme of suppressed knowledge within the novel.

Ruth

Overview

Ruth is one of Kathy's closest friends and a central figure in Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go. She is charismatic, and manipulative, and often seeks control within her social circles. Ruth's complex relationship with Kathy and Tommy reveals her insecurities and desire for acceptance. Throughout the novel, Ruth's actions and eventual redemption highlight themes of forgiveness, the search for identity, and the human need for connection.

Key Plot Moments

• Manipulating Kathy and Tommy
  • Ruth tells Kathy that Tommy doesn't see her as a romantic partner, manipulating their feelings and causing a rift in their friendship.
• Leading the Group
  • At Hailsham and the Cottages, Ruth often positions herself as a leader, trying to maintain a sense of superiority and control over her friends.
• Trip to Norfolk
  • Ruth's determination to find her "possible" during the trip to Norfolk illustrates her deep-seated desire for a different life and her struggle with her identity as a clone.
• Confession and Apology
  • Ruth's heartfelt apology to Kathy and Tommy for keeping them apart marks a significant moment of self-awareness and redemption.
• Final Donation
  • Ruth's final donation and her reflections on her past actions show her acceptance of her fate and her desire to make amends with Kathy and Tommy.

Key Themes

• Manipulation and Control
  • Ruth's actions often stem from a desire to control her surroundings and the people in her life, highlighting themes of manipulation and the human need for power.
• Forgiveness and Redemption
  • Ruth's apology and her efforts to make amends illustrate themes of forgiveness and redemption, showing her growth as a character.
• Identity and Acceptance
  • Ruth's journey reflects her struggle with her identity as a clone and her desire for acceptance and normalcy.

Key Quotes

"Well, Kathy, what you have to realize is that Tommy doesn't see you like that. He really, really likes you, he thinks you're really great. But I know he doesn't see you like, you know, a proper girlfriend. Besides, you know how Tommy is. He can be fussy . . . . Tommy doesn't like girls who've been with . . . well, you know, with this person and that."

• Ruth's manipulation of Kathy and Tommy's relationship highlights her insecurities and need for control.

"We all know it. We're modeled from trash. Junkies, prostitutes, winos, tramps. Convicts, maybe, just so long as they aren't psychos. That's what we come from. We all know it, so why don't we say it?"

• Ruth's outburst reveals her deep-seated frustration with their origins and her struggle with her identity.

"You were different. I remember. You were never embarrassed about your collection and you kept it. I wish now I'd done that too."

• This quote shows Ruth's recognition of Kathy's unique qualities and her regrets about the past.

"Come to think of it, I suppose you haven't been that slow making friends with at least some of the veterans."

• Ruth's veiled insult towards Kathy highlights her manipulative nature and her tendency to assert dominance in their relationship.

"I'd like you to forgive me, but I don't expect you to. Anyway, that's not the half of it, not even a small bit of it, actually. The main thing is, I kept you and Tommy apart. That was the worst thing I did. . . . What I want is for you to put it right. Put right what I messed up for you."

• Ruth's apology marks a pivotal moment of redemption and self-awareness, emphasizing the theme of forgiveness.

Tommy

Overview

Tommy is a key character in Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, known for his temperamental outbursts and artistic pursuits. His relationship with Kathy and Ruth forms the emotional core of the novel. Tommy is often seen as the more vulnerable and innocent character, struggling to understand the complexities of his existence and his emotions. His journey reflects themes of frustration, the search for truth, and the desire for acceptance and love.

Key Plot Moments

• Tommy's Tantrums
  • His frequent outbursts at Hailsham highlight his emotional struggles and the frustration of being different from his peers.
• Acceptance of Art
  • Encouraged by Miss Lucy, Tommy starts creating art, which becomes a significant part of his identity and a means to express himself.
• Relationship with Ruth
  • Tommy's relationship with Ruth is complex and often manipulated by her, causing him to question his feelings and self-worth.
• Reunion with Kathy
  • After Ruth's apology, Tommy and Kathy rekindle their relationship, revealing their deep emotional connection and shared history.
• Final Fury
  • Tommy's breakdown upon learning about the futility of their dreams for deferrals showcases his deep-seated frustration and the crushing reality of their situation.

Key Themes

• Innocence and Vulnerability
  • Tommy's character embodies innocence and vulnerability, often being more emotionally open and honest than his peers.
• Search for Truth
  • His quest to understand their true purpose and the meaning behind their existence reflects the broader theme of seeking truth.
• Art and Expression
  • Tommy's artwork symbolizes his need for expression and identity in a world where his fate is predetermined.

Key Quotes

"I was thinking about back then, at Hailsham, when you used to go bonkers like that, and we couldn't understand it. We couldn't understand how you could ever get like that. . . . I was thinking maybe the reason you used to get like that was because at some level you always knew."

• Kathy's reflection on Tommy's tantrums reveals his deeper awareness of their situation.

"The problem, as I see it, is that you've been told and not told. You've been told, but none of you really understand, and I dare say, some people are quite happy to leave it that way. But I'm not. If you're going to have decent lives, then you've got to know and know properly."

• Miss Lucy's words resonate deeply with Tommy, fueling his desire to seek the truth.

"Maybe I did know, somewhere deep down. Something the rest of you didn't."

• Tommy's acknowledgement of his intuition about their fate.

"It's just that sometimes, every now and again, I get these really strong feelings when I want to have sex. It doesn't happen so much now, but back then it happened a lot."

• Tommy's honesty about his feelings highlights his vulnerability and openness.

"Then there was that time when we went looking for that tape of yours. You know, the one with the woman."

• Tommy's memory of the tape search emphasizes the emotional bond between him and Kathy.

Miss Lucy

Overview

Miss Lucy is one of the guardians at Hailsham and plays a pivotal role in revealing the truth to the students about their purpose. Unlike the other guardians, she is more direct and honest with the students, showing a deep sense of moral responsibility. Her character challenges the ethical boundaries of the society they live in, highlighting themes of truth, morality, and compassion.

Key Plot Moments

• Revealing the Truth
  • Miss Lucy breaks the school's unspoken rule by telling the students about their true purpose, demonstrating her commitment to honesty.
• Encouraging Tommy
  • She encourages Tommy to embrace his artistic talents, providing him with a sense of self-worth and purpose.
• Confrontation with Other Guardians
  • Her differing views lead to conflicts with other guardians, highlighting the ethical dilemmas within their society.
• Departure from Hailsham
  • Miss Lucy's departure signifies the suppression of truth and the triumph of the existing system's control over the students.
• Impact on Students
  • Her words and actions leave a lasting impact on the students, especially Tommy, who continues to seek the truth she revealed.

Key Themes

• Truth and Deception
  • Miss Lucy's commitment to telling the students the truth contrasts with the deception practised by other guardians, highlighting the moral complexities of their society.
• Compassion and Empathy
  • Miss Lucy's compassion for the students sets her apart from other guardians, emphasizing the importance of empathy in ethical decision-making.
• Ethical Responsibility
  • Her actions underscore the theme of ethical responsibility, questioning the morality of the guardians' roles in the students' lives.

Key Quotes

"The problem, as I see it, is that you've been told and not told. You've been told, but none of you really understand, and I dare say, some people are quite happy to leave it that way. But I'm not. If you're going to have decent lives, then you've got to know and know properly."

• This quote underscores Miss Lucy's commitment to truth and her frustration with the existing system's deception.

"It's not good that I smoked. It wasn't good for me so I stopped it. But what you must understand is that for you, all of you, it's much, much worse to smoke than it ever was for me. You've been told about it. You're students. You're . . . special."

• Miss Lucy's attempt to make the students understand their special status and the importance of their health.

"She said we weren't being taught enough, something like that. She said we needed more than the stuff we were being taught. She said we weren't being taught enough about sex. . . . I didn't really get it. I don't really get it even now."

• Miss Lucy's concerns about the students' education and the gaps in their knowledge.

"She wasn't like a guardian at all. She wasn't even trying to make us behave or anything. She just wanted us to know something important."

• Reflects the unique role Miss Lucy played in the students' lives, focusing on imparting important truths rather than enforcing rules.

"You've been told and not told, and it's best if you know the whole truth. . . . I'm going to talk to you about your futures. I'm going to explain to you, as best I can, what is really in store for you."

• Miss Lucy's decisive moment of revealing the truth to the students, highlights her commitment to honesty and ethical responsibility.

Miss Emily

Overview

Miss Emily is the headmistress of Hailsham in Kazuo Ishiguro's "Never Let Me Go." She is portrayed as a stern and authoritative figure who deeply believes in the mission of Hailsham—to prove that clones are human and deserve dignity. Despite her strict demeanour, she is committed to the welfare of the students, although her actions are sometimes driven by a pragmatic acceptance of the harsh realities facing the clones.

Key Plot Moments

• Revelation as Headmistress:
  • Miss Emily is revealed to be the true headmistress of Hailsham, not Madame as initially thought. This revelation occurs towards the end of the novel and ties up several loose ends regarding the school's operation.
• Explaining Hailsham's Purpose:
  • She explains to Kathy and Tommy that Hailsham was created as part of a reform movement to show that clones could be treated humanely, which was a significant shift from the earlier dehumanizing practices.
• Discussion on Deferrals:
  • Miss Emily addresses the rumour of deferrals, clarifying that they never existed and that the notion of deferrals was a misunderstanding among the students.
• Defence of Hailsham's Methods:
  • She defends the school's approach against Miss Lucy's criticisms, arguing that shielding the students from harsh truths was ultimately better for them.
• Closure of Hailsham:
  • She discusses the reasons behind Hailsham's closure, particularly the impact of the Morningdale Scandal, which led to the withdrawal of financial support for the school.

Key Themes

• Humanity and Dignity:
  • Miss Emily's belief in treating clones with dignity underscores the theme of humanity in the novel, challenging societal norms that view clones as mere organ sources.
• Institutional Responsibility:
  • Miss Emily represents the ethical complexities faced by institutions like Hailsham in balancing protection with the harsh realities of the clones' predetermined fates.
• Deception and Truth:
  • The contrast between Miss Emily's protective deceptions and Miss Lucy's blunt honesty highlights the theme of truth and its implications on the clones' awareness and mental state.

Key Quotes

"We took away your art because we thought it would reveal your souls. Or to put it more finely, we did it to prove you had souls at all."

• This quote illustrates Miss Emily's belief in the humanity of the clones and the moral purpose behind collecting their artwork.

"Hailsham was the last place to consider this idea, and the Gallery was a part of that."

• Reflecting on Hailsham's unique role in advocating for the ethical treatment of clones.

"I was determined to keep you all healthy and happy as long as possible."

• Emphasizes her protective yet pragmatic approach towards the students' well-being.

"We gave you your childhoods... and now you're letting it go."

• A poignant reminder of the transient nature of the safety and comfort provided at Hailsham.

"You have to understand... we were able to do this only by keeping you in the shadows."

• Acknowledges the necessity of secrecy and control to sustain Hailsham's mission.

Madame (Marie-Claude)

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Initial Perception at Hailsham:
  • Madame's visits to Hailsham, where she collects the students' artwork for the Gallery, leave an impression of her as a distant and somewhat feared figure.
• Fear of the Clones:
  • The students' realization that Madame is afraid of them underscores her ambivalence and the societal fear surrounding clones.
• Explanation of the Gallery:
  • Madame and Miss Emily reveal the true purpose of the Gallery—to demonstrate that clones have souls—during a critical conversation with Kathy and Tommy.
• Reaction to Kathy's Dance:
  • Madame's emotional reaction to Kathy dancing to the song "Never Let Me Go" symbolizes her deep-seated sorrow for the clones' plight.
• Final Encounter with Kathy and Tommy:
  • Madame's acknowledgement of her limitations in helping the clones and her genuine regret about the world's treatment of them is a significant emotional moment in the novel.

Key Themes

• Empathy and Fear:
  • Madame's character embodies the tension between empathy for the clones and the ingrained fear of their existence, highlighting the broader societal conflict.
• Inevitability and Resignation:
  • Madame's acceptance of the clones' fate reflects the theme of inevitability and societal resignation to unethical practices.
• Art and Humanity:
  • The Gallery represents the theme of art as a testament to humanity, with Madame believing that the clones' creative expressions prove their souls.

Key Quotes

"Poor creatures. What did we do to you? With all our schemes and plans?"

• Expresses Madame's deep regret and sorrow for the suffering inflicted on the clones.

"That was why we collected your art. We selected the best of it and put on special exhibitions in the hope that people would see you for what you are."

• Reveals the intention behind the Gallery and the belief in the clones' humanity.

"We took away your art because we thought it would reveal your souls. Or to put it more finely, we did it to prove you had souls at all."

• Highlights the moral rationale behind the Gallery and Madame's advocacy for clone rights.

"You poor creatures. I wish I could help you. But now you are by yourselves."

• Madame's acknowledgement of her helplessness and the clones' solitary struggle.

"The world didn't want to be reminded how fragile its happiness was."

• Reflects on society's denial and avoidance of the ethical implications of cloning.

Chrissie

Overview

Key Plot Moments

• Introduction at the Cottages:
  • Chrissie and her boyfriend Rodney meet Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, expressing admiration and curiosity about their lives at Hailsham.
• Norfolk Trip:
  • Chrissie, Rodney, Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth travel to Norfolk, where Chrissie hopes to find answers about deferrals and clone origins.
• Discussion on Deferrals:
  • Chrissie is intrigued by the possibility of deferrals, showing her desperation for a chance at a more normal life with Rodney.
• Influence on Ruth:
  • Chrissie's belief in the deferral rumour influences Ruth, heightening her hopes and subsequent disappointment when the truth is revealed.
• Final Realization:
  • The realization that deferrals are a myth and that the clones have no escape from their fates is a crushing moment for Chrissie and the others.

Key Themes

• Hope and Desperation:
  • Chrissie's fixation on deferrals highlights the theme of hope in the face of a predetermined fate and the desperation to believe in a better future.
• Reality vs. Illusion:
  • The debunking of the deferral myth underscores the theme of harsh reality versus comforting illusions.
• Inequality and Envy:
  • Her perception of Hailsham students as privileged reflects the theme of social inequality within the clone community.

Key Quotes

"We all know it. We're modelled from trash. Junkies, prostitutes, winos, tramps."

• Chrissie's despairing acknowledgement of their origins and the societal view of clones.

"They don't really want to hear from me and Rodney. They'd much rather listen to you lot."

• Reflects her perception of the special status of Hailsham students.

"You know, Ruth, we might be coming here in a few years' time to visit you. Working in a nice office. I don't see how anyone could stop us visiting you then."

• Shows her clinging to the hope of a deferral and a normal life.

"But you know, Ruth, we might be coming here in a few years' time to visit you. Working in a nice office."

• Chrissie's naive optimism about the possibility of a different life for clones.

"It's just that, well, I think I've seen her. At least, I think I've seen someone who looks like her."

• Her quest to find Ruth's "possible" reveals her longing for a connection to a real human life.