Nineteen Minutes

Main Characters and Their Development

• Peter Houghton - The main character of the book, a teenager who becomes the school shooter. His development shows how constant bullying and harassment by peers lead to tragedy. Peter is initially portrayed as a quiet and withdrawn boy who gradually loses faith in justice and humanity.
• Josie Cormier - Peter's classmate and the daughter of Judge Alex Cormier. She is caught in a difficult situation, torn between her friendship with Peter and her desire to be popular. Her development shows an internal struggle and search for her own identity.
• Alex Cormier - Josie's mother and the judge presiding over Peter's case. Her development reflects the conflict between professional duties and personal feelings, as well as her attempts to understand and support her daughter.
• Lacy Houghton - Peter's mother, who tries to comprehend her son's actions and find an explanation for what happened. Her development shows maternal love and despair, as well as her attempts to cope with guilt and public condemnation.
• Patrick Ducharme - The detective investigating the school shooting. His development shows professionalism and a quest for justice, as well as his personal struggles and attempts to understand Peter's motives.