Crave

Grace, 17, is the story’s protagonist. Her parents’ recent death in a car accident has changes her views on life and permanence. She’s courageous, giving, empathetic, perceptive, and artistic (with her love for drawing and drums). Unlike Jaxon, Grace is unable to hide her emotions and frequently gives into them, which is most obvious when she cries in the library over her parents’ death and pursues Jaxon romantically. Although Jaxon praises her many positive qualities, her flaws include rashness, stubbornness, and perhaps an unhealthy lack of fear. For instance, Grace doesn’t fear for her life when a chandelier nearly kills her; instead, she is more focused on Jaxon’s minor wounds. Despite Jaxon’s protests, she isn’t perturbed by his dangerous nature: “The obscene amount of power [Jaxon] wielded with just a wave of his hand? [...], it doesn’t scare me the way it probably should. He doesn’t scare me the way he probably should” (321). Instead, she’s adamant about his positive qualities—loyalty, toughness, and compassion—convincing him that she won’t hide her romantic feelings. These actions fit the romance theme and help raise Jaxon’s self-esteem.

She has conflicts with Macy, Jaxon, and her uncle due to her stubbornness; after her many injuries, she insists on still moving around instead of resting and recovering.