We Need to Talk About Kevin

Main Characters and Their Development

• Eva Khatchadourian — Kevin's mother and the main narrator of the book. Eva undergoes a challenging journey from a successful businesswoman to a mother trying to understand and cope with her son's behavior. Her internal struggles and guilt over Kevin's actions are central to the narrative.
• Kevin Khatchadourian — Eva and Franklin's son. From an early age, he exhibits signs of antisocial behavior, which eventually escalate into cruelty and violence. His development culminates in the mass shooting he commits at school.
• Franklin Platt — Kevin's father and Eva's husband. Franklin often clashes with Eva over Kevin's upbringing, as he tends to idealize his son and overlook his problems. His relationships with Eva and Kevin deteriorate as the story progresses.
• Celia Khatchadourian — Kevin's younger sister. Celia is the opposite of Kevin: a kind and sensitive girl. Her relationship with Kevin is complex and tense, and she becomes one of his victims.