One of Us Is Next

Maeve is described as the “subtle kind of pretty that slides under the radar” with eyes that are a “dark-honey color” (110). Phoebe describes Maeve as ethereal, as she “glides around Bayview High like she’s just passing through and doesn’t worry about the same kind of stuff the rest of us do” (110). Despite her calm demeanor, copes with a broken logic of superstition and obsesses over Unknown’s identify, revealing a much more tense personality under the surface. This intensity is reflected when Maeve views Unknown’s Truth or Dare game as a nice distraction from her potential leukemia relapse. She admits to herself, “And if I’m being perfectly honest—I don’t mind the distraction right now” (44). Her attitude exposes the level of anxiety and grief she endures as she worries about her health declining. It is not until Maeve decides to confront her leukemia, and block Unknown’s number, that her character evolves. Her technological skills aid the group in tracking down Jared Jackson and Maeve herself learns to take accountability for her life.

Maeve matures throughout the novel and grows as she opens herself to responsibility, vulnerability, and courage. She is inspired to vulnerability and courage in her relationship with Luis.