Hide and Seeker

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness, illness, and death.

Justin is the 11-year-old protagonist and a round character who exhibits dynamic growth. He embodies traits of thoughtfulness, empathy, bravery, determination, and natural leadership. Despite his experience with anxiety and panic attacks, Justin demonstrates remarkable resilience, controlling his fears to overcome internal obstacles and help others. In Nowhere, his focus remains on helping his friends, shown when he screams at Duke, “Maybe the stuff we brought is stupid, but I don’t care. I’m gonna do anything, use anything to find my friends and get us all home! If you don’t want to help, fine” (139). His resolve never falters, even when faced with overwhelming odds, as he refuses to give up on finding his friends, defeating the Seeker, and escaping the nightmare realm. Justin’s adamant, willful nature inspires others to be courageous, emphasizing the importance of hope in the darkest of times.

Justin steps into a leadership role with confidence and becomes the strong unifier that the others need to survive in Nowhere. Though initially doubted by characters like Duke, who believes he’s trying to do the “impossible,” Justin prevails against all odds.