characters
Peter houghton
Peter Houghton is the protagonist of the story. After being bullied his entire life, he decides to take revenge and start shooting people at his school, Sterling High. Peter is charged with ten counts of murder and 19 counts of attempted murder. As a result, Peter is sentenced to life in prison.
Josie Cormier
Josie was once Peter Houghton's best friend, or his only friend for that matter. Once high school started, Josie and Peter drifted and Josie had a boyfriend, Matt. Josie was one of the surviving victims.
Alex Cormier
Alex is the tough-loving mother of Josie, as well as the Judge for Peter's trial, until her daughter becomes involved.
Matt Royston
Matt is Josie's popular, abusive boyfriend. Matt was the stereotypical jock. He always picked on Peter Houghton. Matt was a non-surviving victim of the shooting, as well as the only victim who appeared to be shot twice.
lacy houghton
Lacy is a midwife and Peter's mother. She and Alex Cormier were once close friends until a fall out during Josie and Peter's early years. She struggles understanding what her son did and why throughout the novel.
Lewis houghton
Lewis is Peter's father, as well as a local college Professor. Lewin never visited Peter in jail. Lewis is a hunter so therefore, he keeps guns in the house. It was from him whom peter learned how to use a gun properly.
Jordan mcafee
Jordan serves as peter's defense attorney, believing Peter deserves a fair trial just like anyone else.
Patrick Ducharme
Patrick serves as a detective on the Sterling High shooting case. There is an attraction between him and Alex, and they come together by the end of the novel.