Pride or Die Summary, Characters and themes
Pride or Die by CL Montblanc is a compelling story set in a small conservative Texas town, focusing on the experiences of Eleanora “Ellie” Finkel, a high school senior and president of the LGBTQ+ Club at Hillview High. In a community where LGBTQ+ students face hostility and bullying, Ellie and her friends fight to keep the club alive, navigating both personal and social challenges.
The story unfolds with a mystery involving the brutal attack on Kenley Stevens, a cheerleader and member of the LGBTQ+ Club. As Ellie and her friends investigate, they are forced to confront the realities of high school politics, betrayal, and discrimination. The novel explores themes of friendship, identity, and resistance, set against a backdrop of prejudice and the quest for justice.
Summary
The story of Pride or Die follows Eleanora “Ellie” Finkel, the president of the LGBTQ+ Club at Hillview High, a school in a small, conservative town in Texas. Ellie, along with her two close friends, Noah and Tyler, faces immense pressure as the club struggles to survive amidst ridicule and hostile school dynamics.
The LGBTQ+ Club has been a constant target of bullying, particularly from the popular cheerleader, Kenley Stevens, who humiliated the group by mocking the club during a Club Fair, calling it the “BLT Club” instead of LGBTQ+. This incident marks the beginning of a long-standing animosity, with Ellie and her friends determined to keep the club alive despite the constant harassment.
The club’s survival depends on attracting more members, but their efforts are hindered by the relentless bullying. Ellie fears that, without new members, the club might disband after their graduation.
With this in mind, she, Noah, and Tyler decide to redecorate their club’s meeting space, hoping to make it more inviting and appealing. However, the oppressive school environment and the antagonism from Kenley, along with the school’s administration, make this a difficult task.
The situation takes a dark turn when Kenley is found severely injured in a hallway at school. Due to the history of bullying and conflict between Kenley and the LGBTQ+ Club, Ellie, Tyler, and Noah are immediately implicated as potential suspects.
This only adds to the school’s already hostile stance against the club. The principal, Ballard, who has always been antagonistic toward the club, seizes this opportunity to push for its disbandment, using the attack on Kenley as justification for banning the group.
As the investigation into Kenley’s assault unfolds, Ellie and her friends try to clear their names while navigating the complicated social dynamics at school. Ellie becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the attack and starts investigating Kenley’s past and possible connections to the assault.
They uncover that Kenley had been involved in selling prescription drugs like Adderall, which could explain why someone might have targeted her. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the case, as it suggests that Kenley’s involvement in illegal activities may have played a role in the attack.
The investigation becomes a balancing act between trying to protect their own reputations and uncovering the truth. Alongside the investigation, Ellie also grapples with feelings of guilt and self-doubt, questioning whether her role as club president has been enough to protect her friends and ensure the club’s survival.
Tensions rise as the investigation progresses, with Ellie worrying about the safety of her friends and the future of the LGBTQ+ Club.
Throughout the story, Ellie and her friends continue to face challenges as they try to make sense of the situation. Their personal lives and the harsh realities of being LGBTQ+ in a conservative town complicate matters.
Despite the pressure and the mounting obstacles, the group of friends—Ellie, Noah, Tyler, and their friend Salim—provides moments of comic relief, offering a much-needed break from the escalating drama. The friendship and support they provide each other is essential as they continue to unravel the mystery surrounding Kenley’s attack.
Ellie’s internal conflict with her own identity and her responsibilities as club president are contrasted against the rising tensions of the investigation. She struggles with the pressure to protect her friends while also questioning her role in the unfolding events.
As the situation intensifies, Ellie and her friends decide to take matters into their own hands and continue to investigate, even as their actions draw the attention of the school authorities and the police.
Eventually, Ellie and the gang uncover startling information about Kenley’s life and her relationships with people like Derek Handel, her boyfriend, and Talia King, a former friend of Kenley’s. They discover that Derek and Talia were involved in a secretive relationship, and Ellie begins to suspect that Derek might have played a role in the attack.
In a shocking twist, it is revealed that Talia was responsible for orchestrating the attack on Kenley, driven by jealousy and resentment. Talia had manipulated others, including a freshman, into helping her in her scheme, all in an effort to hurt Kenley.
In addition to Talia’s involvement, Principal Ballard’s actions are also brought into question. It is revealed that Ballard had been working behind the scenes to frame the LGBTQ+ Club for the attack, attempting to use it as an excuse to disband the group once and for all.
As Ellie and her friends uncover this conspiracy, they are faced with the difficult task of proving their innocence while also trying to secure the future of the club.
The group faces increasing pressure as they confront the truth, culminating in a confrontation where they expose Talia’s actions to the entire school. In the end, the truth about the attack is revealed, and the LGBTQ+ Club is cleared of any involvement.
The students find strength in their unity, and their determination to stand up for themselves leads to a newfound sense of pride and purpose. Despite the hardships they’ve faced, Ellie and her friends come out stronger, with the LGBTQ+ Club standing as a symbol of resistance and acceptance in the face of adversity.
As the story concludes, the club is reinvigorated, with the members more determined than ever to continue their work. Kenley, who had once been a source of tension and conflict, begins to embrace her true self, breaking free from the influence of those who had tried to control her.
Ellie, too, learns valuable lessons about identity, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what is right, no matter the consequences. With their newfound confidence, Ellie and her friends are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that together, they can overcome anything.
Characters
Eleanora “Ellie” Finkel
Eleanora Finkel, the protagonist of Pride or Die, is a high school senior who faces a whirlwind of challenges, both internal and external. As the president of the LGBTQ+ Club at Hillview High, she takes on the responsibility of leading the group through the bullying, harassment, and institutional opposition that continuously threatens their existence.
Ellie is a character defined by her sense of duty and loyalty, particularly to her friends and the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the story, Ellie grapples with her own identity and her responsibility as the head of a marginalized group.
Her feelings of guilt and inadequacy weigh heavily on her, particularly as she contemplates the potential dissolution of the club after graduation. As the investigation into Kenley’s attack unfolds, Ellie becomes determined to clear the name of the club, even if it means risking her own safety and that of her friends.
The narrative explores her personal growth as she balances her pursuit of justice with the complex dynamics of friendship and self-identity. By the end of the story, Ellie learns crucial lessons about trust, loyalty, and the impact of her actions on those she cares about, ultimately coming to terms with her own flaws.
Kenley Stevens
Kenley Stevens is a central yet complicated figure in Pride or Die. Initially, she is portrayed as the popular, often antagonistic cheerleader who bullies Ellie and the LGBTQ+ Club, most notably humiliating them during the Club Fair.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Kenley is not simply a one-dimensional antagonist. She is deeply entangled in the narrative, especially as secrets about her relationships and involvement in drug dealing come to light.
Kenley’s complex relationship with Ellie shifts throughout the book, as the lines between bully and ally blur. While Kenley initially causes harm to the club, her vulnerability and confusion about her own identity emerge as significant parts of her character.
The story delves into her internal struggles, particularly regarding her complicity in the betrayal of her friends and her efforts to maintain a facade of normalcy. By the end, Kenley comes into her own, finding the courage to stand up for her true self and confront the toxic relationships in her life.
Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she moves from someone who was an adversary to a character who seeks to make amends for her past actions.
Tyler
Tyler is one of Eleanora’s closest friends and a key member of the LGBTQ+ Club in Pride or Die. Throughout the story, Tyler serves as a steadying presence in the group, offering support and perspective, even when tensions run high.
He is one of the few characters who remains calm and rational in the face of the mounting challenges the group faces, particularly when the investigation into Kenley’s assault intensifies. Tyler’s loyalty to his friends, especially Ellie, is unwavering, but he also has moments where his frustrations come to the forefront.
These moments highlight his struggle with the complexities of being part of a marginalized group, as well as his internal conflict between supporting his friends and wanting to find a balance in his own life. Tyler’s character development is subtle but important, as he navigates his feelings of helplessness and frustration while maintaining his steadfast commitment to the cause.
His interactions with Ellie are marked by both camaraderie and tension, as he challenges her when her actions jeopardize the group’s safety, and yet he is always there to support her when it matters most.
Noah
Noah is another of Ellie’s close friends, and his role in the story is crucial to the group’s dynamic in Pride or Die. Noah brings a unique energy to the group, offering humor and levity amidst the drama.
He acts as a buffer, often providing comic relief during the tense moments in the investigation and the strained interactions between the characters. Despite his more laid-back personality, Noah is deeply committed to his friends and the LGBTQ+ Club.
He contributes to the investigation into Kenley’s attack and shows a great deal of resilience when faced with the hostile environment at school. Noah’s character highlights the importance of humor and lightheartedness in the face of adversity, offering a reminder that even in the darkest times, the bonds of friendship can provide strength.
His evolution is less about dramatic personal growth and more about his unwavering support for Ellie and the others, proving that sometimes, the best way to show strength is through loyalty and companionship.
Salim
Salim plays a vital role in the story, particularly in the investigation surrounding Kenley’s assault. His involvement in the investigation showcases his intelligence and determination to uncover the truth.
However, his character is also marked by a sense of vulnerability. Salim’s arrest for trespassing creates a significant emotional rift in the group, and he is forced to confront his own fears and insecurities.
Salim’s story arc is one of personal growth, as he learns to navigate the consequences of his actions while also questioning his place within the group and the greater fight for justice. His arrest represents a turning point in the narrative, emphasizing the risks that the group faces in their pursuit of the truth.
Despite these setbacks, Salim remains a loyal friend, and his eventual role in helping uncover the truth about the conspiracy shows his dedication to the cause, even at great personal cost.
Principal Ballard
Principal Ballard is a key antagonist in Pride or Die, representing the oppressive forces within the school system. His long-standing antagonism toward the LGBTQ+ Club and his hypocritical behavior highlight the challenges that marginalized students face in an environment that is supposed to be a safe space for learning.
Ballard’s actions throughout the story, including his attempts to frame the LGBTQ+ Club for the attack on Kenley, reveal his deep-seated prejudices and desire to maintain control over the school’s narrative. His involvement in the conspiracy against the students underscores the theme of power abuse and the dangers of unchecked authority.
By the end of the book, his downfall serves as a crucial moment of justice, highlighting the importance of standing up against corruption and injustice. Despite his villainous role, Ballard’s character ultimately serves as a reflection of the larger societal issues of discrimination and homophobia that Ellie and her friends are fighting against.
Derek Handel
Derek Handel is initially a suspect in the investigation surrounding Kenley’s assault, and his relationship with Kenley only complicates the situation. Throughout the story, Derek is depicted as a character with questionable morals, involved in illegal activities such as selling Adderall to students.
His affair with Talia King further muddies the waters, making him a key figure in the mystery. Derek’s involvement in the conspiracy against Kenley adds layers to the plot, as the characters wrestle with his possible motivations and connections to the attack.
While Derek is not as fully developed as some of the other characters, his actions play a crucial role in driving the investigation forward, and his eventual confrontation with Ellie and the others helps to shed light on the broader web of secrets within the school.
Talia King
Talia King is a former friend of Kenley’s who becomes one of the story’s primary antagonists. Her jealousy and resentment toward the LGBTQ+ Club, particularly toward Kenley, drive her to orchestrate the attack on Kenley.
Talia’s character is marked by bitterness and a desire for power, which she seeks to obtain by manipulating others and using them for her own gain. Her actions are initially concealed behind a facade of friendship, but as the truth comes to light, Talia’s role in the conspiracy becomes evident.
Her motivations are complex, driven by a mix of personal jealousy and a deep-seated hatred of the LGBTQ+ community. By the end of the novel, Talia’s exposure as the mastermind behind the attack represents a moment of catharsis for the characters, particularly Ellie, who confronts the person responsible for the harm done to her and her friends.
Talia’s downfall is a crucial part of the story’s resolution, highlighting the consequences of betrayal and the importance of uncovering the truth.
Themes
Identity and Self-Acceptance
In Pride or Die, identity plays a critical role in the characters’ development, especially as they navigate the complexities of high school life in a conservative community. For Ellie and her friends, their sexual orientation is not just a part of who they are—it is a defining element that shapes their experiences and interactions with others.
As the president of the LGBTQ+ Club, Ellie grapples with her role as a leader, constantly feeling the weight of responsibility to ensure that the club remains a safe space for others like her. This responsibility is not without its emotional toll.
Ellie is faced with moments of self-doubt, wondering if she is truly capable of protecting her friends and ensuring the survival of the club. The pressure to maintain the group’s integrity while confronting the hostility of both their peers and authority figures like Principal Ballard forces Ellie to confront her own vulnerabilities.
Her journey toward self-acceptance is slow, filled with moments of introspection, as she tries to reconcile the part of her identity that yearns for validation with the part that recognizes the importance of standing up for what is right. The transformation in Ellie’s character, particularly in her relationship with Kenley, underscores the theme of personal growth and the courage required to embrace one’s true self, even in the face of adversity.
Bullying and Discrimination
The pervasive bullying and discrimination that Ellie and her friends face is a central theme in Pride or Die. The high school environment is depicted as a hostile place for LGBTQ+ students, with the club facing ridicule from both students and faculty alike.
The hostility is evident from the beginning, as Kenley Stevens, the popular cheerleader, publicly humiliates the club, giving it a derogatory name during the Club Fair. This early incident sets the stage for the bullying that continues throughout the story, not just from Kenley but also from Principal Ballard, who has a clear agenda against the LGBTQ+ community.
The book explores the emotional and psychological effects of bullying, focusing on how it affects Ellie’s confidence and her sense of belonging. The bullying extends beyond words; it shapes the very physical spaces in which the LGBTQ+ students gather.
The outdated and conservative decor of the club’s meeting space symbolizes the constant battle for acceptance that LGBTQ+ students face in environments that are not designed to support them. The story also portrays how Ellie and her friends find strength in their solidarity, and their collective determination to survive the ridicule and discrimination they encounter speaks to the resilience of marginalized groups.
It highlights the real-world challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face in less accepting communities, as well as the courage it takes to resist such pervasive forces.
Justice and Resistance
The quest for justice is another critical theme in Pride or Die. The investigation into Kenley’s attack becomes more than just a mystery to solve—it becomes a fight for justice in an environment where the truth is obscured by lies and manipulation.
As Ellie and her friends work to clear their names and protect the integrity of the LGBTQ+ Club, they are faced with a system that seems rigged against them. Principal Ballard’s attempts to frame the LGBTQ+ Club for Kenley’s assault illustrate the broader societal forces that attempt to silence those who stand up for their rights.
The characters’ resistance against this systemic oppression is seen in their refusal to back down despite mounting pressure. The novel underscores the power of collective action, showing how Ellie, Noah, Tyler, and Salim band together to uncover the truth, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Their investigation reveals uncomfortable truths about their peers and authority figures, forcing them to confront the uncomfortable reality that those in positions of power may be the very ones perpetuating harm. The eventual exposure of Ballard’s corruption is a moment of triumph, not just for Ellie and her friends, but for the entire LGBTQ+ community at Hillview High, signaling the importance of standing up against injustices, no matter how entrenched they may seem.
Friendship and Loyalty
Throughout Pride or Die, friendship and loyalty are central to the characters’ survival in a world that often seems hostile and indifferent to their existence. Ellie’s relationships with Noah, Tyler, Salim, and even Kenley, despite their complex history, form the backbone of the narrative.
These friendships are tested repeatedly, particularly as the investigation into Kenley’s attack intensifies and suspicions begin to fracture the group. Ellie’s internal conflict regarding her loyalty to her friends becomes a driving force in the story, especially as she questions whether her actions are helping or hurting the people she cares about.
Her determination to protect them at all costs often leads her to take extreme measures, like breaking into the school’s security system to gather evidence, which causes friction within the group. At one point, Tyler expresses frustration with Ellie’s single-minded focus on the investigation, accusing her of putting the group in danger.
This confrontation forces Ellie to reckon with her own flaws and the unintended consequences of her actions. Despite these moments of tension, the group’s bond remains strong.
The loyalty they show one another, even when faced with personal challenges and external threats, highlights the importance of finding community and support in difficult times. Ultimately, the story demonstrates that friendship is not just about shared experiences but also about navigating conflicts, learning from mistakes, and growing together.
The loyalty that Ellie and her friends show to each other and their cause reflects the deep emotional connections that can form in the face of adversity.
Trust and Betrayal
In a world filled with secrets, lies, and hidden motives, Pride or Die explores the complexities of trust and betrayal. Ellie’s journey is defined by her struggle to discern who she can trust and who might be hiding dangerous truths.
Early in the story, Ellie’s relationship with Kenley is fraught with tension, as Kenley has previously bullied the LGBTQ+ Club but also offers moments of unexpected kindness, creating a confusing dynamic between them. This ambiguity is further complicated when Ellie uncovers secrets about Kenley’s involvement in illicit activities, such as selling Adderall.
As the investigation progresses, Ellie’s trust is put to the test repeatedly, especially when she realizes that Talia, a former friend, may have orchestrated the attack on Kenley out of jealousy and resentment. The revelation that Talia manipulated others, including a freshman named Tim, into assisting her attack complicates Ellie’s understanding of betrayal, as it forces her to confront the idea that those she once considered allies could become the very source of harm.
The theme of betrayal is also embodied in Principal Ballard’s actions, as his hypocritical stance on violence and his covert efforts to disband the LGBTQ+ Club expose his true character. As the characters uncover the layers of betrayal surrounding them, they are forced to navigate a world where trust is fragile, and loyalty can be a double-edged sword.
Ultimately, Pride or Die illustrates that trust must be earned and that betrayal, while painful, can also serve as a catalyst for growth and a deeper understanding of who one can truly rely on.