Published on: June 15, 2025
Never Let Me Go - Kathy's Character in a Dystopian World - featured image

Never Let Me Go - Kathy's Character in a Dystopian World

by Celia B

In Never Let Me Go, Kathy changes a lot as she grows up .At the beginning of the novel, when she is a child at Hailsham, she is curious, gentle and tries to understand the world around her. She listens and pays attention to her friends, especially Ruth and Tommy.Even though she doesn’t know the full truth, she begins to notice some things feeling strange. For example, she observes how Miss Lucy behaves differently when she tries to explain to the students that their lives are already planned.kathy doesn’t fully understand but these moments show her starting to realize there is something hidden about her futur.Her curiosity grows as she hears bits and pieces about donations,carers and art and she holds onto these memories to make sense of them after.


Later , at the Cottages ,Kathy becomes more independent.She starts to question her life and wonders if she and her friends are really free to make choices .She argues with Ruth more and tries to understand where she comes from by thinking about’ possibles’. This shows how Kathy is searching for her identity and trying to understand if she could have a different life. Kathy becomes more frustrated with Ruth’s lies and controlling behavior. For example, when Ruth says she has connections with the world,Kathy then calls her out on her lie which shows how she isn't scared to stand up for what she seems is a lie . Even though Kathy still avoids big arguments ,she becomes better at thinking by herself.Her choice to become a carer is important.it shows that she wants some control in a life where most things are already planned for her. Becoming a carer also gives her a role where she can support others,which fits with her caring personality.She seems to be proud that she is doing her job well even though she is faced with emotionally difficult situations.


In part three,Kathy is working as a carer and is entering the final stage of her life  . She visits old friends like Ruth and Tommy, who b are now donors.she is calm and gentle, but we can tell she feels lonely and sad. She talks about driving through the countryside alone, listening to music and remembering her past.these memories bring her comfort,but also reminds her of what she had lost .Even though she and Tommy try to  get a "deferral “ to delay their fate, it doesn't work.Kathy doesn't fight the system ,she accepts it,  but it doesn't mean she isn't brave.


She shows strength by caring for others and remembering her past with love. Her decision to  care for Tommy at the end , even as he goes through his final donation,shows emotional  strength on her side. By the end of the book Kathy seems at peace ,even though she knows what's coming


Overall,Kathy changes from a  curious and quiet child into a mature and reflective adult.her voice stays gentle,but she grows stronger inside .This growth is especially powerful because it happens quietly.Contrarely to some other dystopian books such as Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Kathy exploits a smaller, more silent rebellion withTommy as they try to prove that they are humans and have feelings so they can earn more years before their donations .Even though it is not a big rebellion with fire or arms, it shows Kathy's moral strength and courage. To conclude, it is seen that her development is not loud or dramatic, but it is meaningful, and it makes her a powerful narrator .